Rangers take on St Mirren on Sunday afternoon in their second Premiership fixture of the 2020/21 season.
The Gers triumphed 1-0 over Aberdeen on the opening day but will need to pick themselves up again after being outplayed and knocked out of the Europa League by Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday night.
St Mirren proved stiff opposition on their only trip to Ibrox last season, with Jermain Defoe’s strike the only goal of the game when the two sides met in January.
Jim Goodwin’s side are unlikely to lie down this time around either, especially as they will be full of confidence following their own opening weekend win over Livingston.
It’s likely that Steven Gerrard will make multiple changes for this one, considering it falls less than 72 hours after the defeat in Leverkusen.
Allan McGregor will continue between the sticks but it’s likely there’ll be a change to the back four.
Filip Helander impressed in Germany but given that it was the Sweden international’s first competitive outing since December, it’s unlikely he’ll be risked again so soon.
That should pave the way for summer signing Leon Balogun to return to partner Connor Goldson following his strong debut showing against Aberdeen.
The Gers midfield struggled against Leverkusen and Steven Davis, who is also short of match fitness, could drop to the bench. Glen Kamara – who was suspended for the Europa League tie – could return to partner Ryan Jack.
Ianis Hagi was a surprise exclusion from the XI on Thursday but should replace Brandon Barker for this one, while Gerrard could hand a debut to exciting new signing Cedric Itten.
Alfredo Morelos was poor against Leverkusen, with his manager admitting after the match that speculation about a move to Lille has distracted the striker [BBC Sport].
As a result, Itten could be charged with leading the line against St Mirren only a matter of days after joining the club.
The Swiss Super League only concluded earlier this week, so the former St Gallen man is match fit and keen to get his first taste of the Scottish game after signing a long-term deal at Ibrox.
A start is unlikely for fellow new recruit Kemar Roofe, given that he hasn’t played since December, but the ex-Anderlecht forward could be introduced off the bench.
Rangers Predicted XI vs St Mirren (H) – 09/08/2020
GK – Allan McGregor
RB – James Tavernier
CB – Connor Goldson
CB – Leon Balogun
LB – Borna Barisic
CM – Ryan Jack
CM – Glen Kamara
RAM – Ianis Hagi
CAM – Joe Aribo
LAM – Ryan Kent
ST – Cedric Itten
