Tuesday evening will see Rangers look to maintain the impressive run of form we have shown in recent weeks, when they take on St Johnstone in Perth.
Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Hearts was particularly impressive in all areas of the park, with the 2 goal victory flattering the visitors.
Both Aberdeen and Celtic do not play until the following night so this offers yet another opportunity to apply some pressure at the summit of the table.
St Johnstone will be no walkovers as Rangers have already found out this season, with the Perth side claiming victory in the sides’ last encounter at Ibrox.
1-WILL THIS BE MORELOS LAST GAME
The speculation surrounding Alfredo Morelos will be put to rest one way or another by the end of the week. The Chinese transfer window closes for business on the 28th, Rangers supporters are extremely hopeful that come next weekend’s Scottish Cup match, the Colombian will still be available for selection.
This, of course, will only serve as a reprieve, the question of just how long we will see the striker don the light blue may be measured in months rather than years, that however would simply mean a tidy profit and continued high-level performances from the player. A win-win for all parties involved.
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The transfer rumours surrounding any possible move to China have certainly been far quieter in the last few weeks, but until the deadline has passed a lingering doubt will always remain.
2-CUMMINGS TO START
Rangers’ form of late has been so impressive that it has seen January loan signing Jason Cummings’ appearances very much restricted to cameos in league fixtures.
I’m not quite sure who could make way for cumdog, Windass did not have the best of games in Saturday’s clash with Hearts, although dropping him for Cummings would be a touch harsh after his captivating form of late.
I think many fans, myself included, expected Cummings to have started more games and have more of an impact at this stage after his move. Rangers are winning games with some extremely impressive showings so there is not much clamour to have Cummings start at this stage.
Wins are all that matters after all. Three points are vital if we are to maintain the pressure at the top.
3-A SUB BEFORE 70 MINUTES
If there is one complaint that can be levelled at Murty is that he has a touch of the Mark Warburton about him, when dealing with changes, sometimes waiting too long before making a change.
The marker for his substitutions seems to be around the 70-minute mark, I am well aware this might seem as hypercritical of a manager and team that are playing extremely well and winning games. I just feel sometimes he could try to influence the game a touch quicker, nothing more.
4-A RETURN FOR LEE WALLACE
Again I don’t expect the Rangers captain to start the match, having been out injured for a large portion of the season so far.
An appearance from the bench is the most likely scenario, depending on just how the game is going. Seeing the captain’s name named amongst the subs would only provide the squad with another morale boost, especially as we are entering a vital stage of the season.
Fans and the player alike might just have to be a shade patient on this one, easing him back into competitive football again will take time.
The player’s long-term health is clearly a concern for many fans. Declan John has proved more than an adequate deputy in the skipper’s absence, so there is no longer the need there perhaps once was to rush him back into action.
5-THE FORM & WORK RATE OF DANIEL CANDEIAS
Since arriving in the summer Daniel Candeias has been a breath of fresh air. His work rate and delivery of crosses has been impressive to watch at times.
Personally, I feel that he is in the kind of form that should push him into contention for Player of the Year.
He has been particularly impressive in recent weeks, proving just how big a player he has become for Murty. His work rate in both defensive and attacking stages of the game is key to his style of play.
As always let me know your thoughts.
@steven_harrigan @rangersnewsuk