Sunday will see Rangers face Falkirk in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox, that is Scotland can get back on track after a dusting of snow that has brought the entire country and its infrastructure to a standstill.
The form of Rangers has been highly impressive recently, Tuesday night saw St Johnstone brushed aside 4-1 in a match that looked like we never got out of second gear. Murty will be keen to make sure complacency does not set in, as at present that looks a bigger threat than the teams we face.
Here are the 5 storylines to follow v Falkirk on Sunday.
1-COLD STORAGE FOR MORELOS
Alfredo Morelos has been sensational this campaign, with a clash with Celtic just around the corner Murty may opt to place such a key player in cold storage until next Sunday.
Sunday’s match might give Jason Cummings much-needed minutes, along with a fantastic opportunity to stake a place for the upcoming Old Firm match.
One other option could well be to play both Morelos and Cummings as was deployed in the previous round’s match with Ayr United. Jaime Murphy’s injury on Tuesday night will likely see him not risked, opening up a starting spot for fringe players.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
2-HOW MANY OTHER CHANGES?
The Scottish Cup at present still offers the most realistic opportunity of Rangers clinching a trophy this season, Murty will, I think, resist the temptation of wholesale changes that could have any sort of negative impact on not only the outcome, but in the confidence of the squad, that at this moment must be sky-high.
I can foresee a couple of changes, perhaps a run out at some stage for Lee Wallace in aiding his return to fitness, using the tie with lower league opposition as a platform to introduce the captain back into first-team action, building match fitness in the process. We could possibly see a change in goals, Alnwick has played mostly in cup competitions and might so again on Sunday.
Competition for places is tight at Ibrox, players like Jason Holt and Bruno Alves will be desperate for first team action, the team line up could prove an indication of just how strong this squad is now.
3-SEAN GOSS & HIS FREE KICKS
Since arriving on loan from QPR, Sean Goss has been nothing short of top drawer. His displays in centre midfield have been easy on the eye, displaying a range and weight of passes that has only further enhanced the overall ability in the squad.
Credit must go to Mark Allen for this find, many supporters were sceptical of this type of loan deal, one where we have no option to buy. We now know why that is, the man can ball.
Goss’s free kicks have been another added bonus, he is a master at them, already finding the net on a number of occasions from his set plays since his move north. Teams are now especially wary of committing fouls in areas that give Goss a sight at goal.
In the long run I would like to think it would benefit all parties if we could extend the loan deal for next season, however if he keeps up this level of form QPR will be wanting him back sooner rather than later.
4-HOW MANY GOALS?
As previously stated the form of Murty’s Rangers side has been outstanding of late. Confidence is high in all areas and the goals are flowing. The Rangers support is now getting spoiled and is used to goal feasts.
If we can play anywhere near the levels of recent weeks, Sunday should be no different. The chances and number of them currently being created is a credit to all players and staff involved.
The last round saw six put past lower league opposition, and Tuesday saw four fly into the St Johnstone net. Despite our struggles at times this season at home, I fully expect another comfortable victory is in store.
5-GREG DOCHERTY
He is one of our own, thank God. It would be completely unfair of me to praise Goss without talking about the form and impact of his new partner in central midfield.
Since moving from Hamilton he has grown in every match, turning in masterclasses last Saturday vs Hearts, then on Tuesday away in Perth. He is exactly the type of player we were missing earlier in the season. At times, he makes play look effortless, constantly being in the right position to receive and distribute the ball, keeping the flow of the game up. He offers a shield to the back line when we are out of possession as well, something else that was evidently in short supply before his arrival.
A player who clearly loves playing for the team he loves, it is an absolute joy to watch and long may it continue.
As always get in touch with your views and predictions.
I’ll go for, Rangers 4 Falkirk 0
@steven_harrigan @rangersnewsuk