Rangers have to pick themselves back up after Thursday night’s last-gasp defeat to Young Boys, as they return to Scottish Premiership action this weekend.
Hamilton, who currently sit eighth in the table, travel to Ibrox for a 3p.m kick-off on Sunday.
Given the disappointing nature of the European result and the fact that this game falls just three days later, Steven Gerrard is likely to make multiple changes.
At the back, James Tavernier has faced a barrage of criticism as he was at fault for both of the opposition’s goals on Thursday. However, it would be a big shout for Gerrard to actually drop his skipper, given the lack of an adequate replacement.
There has been little to suggest the staff at Rangers have faith in Matt Polster to do a job in the league and with Jon Flanagan having not kicked a ball for over a month, Tav is likely to continue on.
The manager backed his skipper during Friday’s press conference, and he’s still likely to start against Accies as the Gers look to get on the front foot.
Elsewhere at the back, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Nikola Katic return to replace Filip Helander (who has a slight knock) after sitting out the European fixture.
In midfield, the Gers are somewhat depleted by injuries. Ryan Jack will miss this one, and while Gerrard suggested Joe Aribo has an outside chance of playing, it would seem unnecessary to risk rushing him back.
That means Andy King should make his first start for the club, alongside Steven Davis and Glen Kamara.
Rangers have played a lot of games in a short space of time, and therefore, it’s likely that the manager will pluck for rotation at the top end of the park.
Scott Arfield and Sheyi Ojo both came in for criticism after the Young Boys loss and could be replaced by Greg Stewart and Brandon Barker respectively.
Meanwhile, up front, it could be time to throw Jermain Defoe back into the starting XI. Alfredo Morelos has started the last six matches and although in excellent form, he may drop out for fresher legs this time.
That should be a strong enough side to deal with a well organised Hamilton, but the likes of Morelos, Arfield and Ojo could provide significant firepower from the bench, in case things aren’t quite going to plan.
Rangers vs Hamilton Predicted XI 06/10/2019 (H)
GK – Allan McGregor
RB – James Tavernier
CB – Connor Goldson
CB – Nikola Katic
LB – Borna Barisic
CDM – Glen Kamara
CM – Steven Davis
CM – Andy King
RF – Greg Stewart
LF – Brandon Barker
ST – Jermain Defoe
