Rangers take on Livingston in the quarter-final of the Scottish League Cup on Wednesday evening.
It’s a big game for all concerned with the club as a spot in a Hampden Park semi awaits the victors.
The Gers only needed to win one game, against East Fife, to get to this stage. The manager used that tie as a chance to offer minutes to his fringe players, but the Gers still ran out 3-0 winners.
This time around, such wholesale changes are unlikely.
The League Cup presents a real chance to pick up silverware and therefore, Gerrard is unlikely to take undue risk against a Livi side who caused the Gers some problems at Ibrox, earlier this month.
We’re predicting just the two alterations for this one.
The manager sang Steven Davis’ praises after Sunday’s win at St Johnstone [Daily Record], but it’s unlikely he’ll start at the Tony Macaroni. At 34, three games in less than a week is surely too big an ask. Finland international Glen Kamara is most likely to come in to fill the void.
Scott Arfield is likely to return having been given a rest for the first hour at McDiarmid Park. Despite his best efforts, his replacement, Brandon Barker, didn’t manage to shine, and he’s likely to drop to the bench.
Elsewhere, cases can be presented for others getting game time. The likes of Wes Foderingham, George Edmundson and Jermain Defoe, who all played in the last round, could conceivably come in. However, given the magnitude of this game, Gerrard is likely to stick with what has worked in the last two outings.
Andy King and Greg Docherty will be vying for a spot in the squad.
Livingston vs Rangers 25/09/2019 – Predicted XI
GK – Allan McGregor
RB – James Tavernier
CB – Connor Goldson
CB – Filip Helander
LB – Borna Barisic
CDM – Glen Kamara
CM – Ryan Jack
CM – Joe Aribo
RF – Sheyi Ojo
LF – Scott Arfield
ST – Alfredo Morelos
