Rangers haven’t had long to stew over the Old Firm defeat at Parkhead and have the chance to get back on track with the visit of Kilmarnock.
Derek McInnes’ side are pushing Hearts in third place and will be no walk over as they look to take advantage of a Gers squad that is in need of a rest.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has been quick to emphasise that Ibrox needs to been in full voice again as he looks to keep the pressure on at the top of the table, this is who he has picked to get the job done.
Rangers v Kilmarnock – team news confirmed
The defence, despite losing two goals, restricted Celtic at the weekend and it was two errors that cost us – as it did in the first derby.
Leon Balogun is suspended after his needless red card with John Souttar, who replaced him at Parkhead, a more than able deputy.
The only other question was whether or not Ridvan Yilmaz would keep his place but with Borna Barisic not fully fit, it makes sense for him to start again, despite the ongoing speculation about his future.
He was also one of our best players in the Old Firm.
Midfield will have had Philippe Clement scratching his head with Dujon Sterling the only player who is 100% fit, and he isn’t even, technically, a midfielder.
He has impressed that much in recent weeks that it looks like midfield is where he will stay, however, Kieran Dowell has the edge in terms of passing and attacking threat.
The forward line drew a blank despite having plenty of chances to score at the weekend, unfortunately, injuries present any real rotation but Rabbi Matondo and Scott Wright are getting closer to fully fit.
Cyriel Dessers is lucky that there are no other options and starts by default, despite his manager’s comments of support.
Fabio Silva hasn’t played much this season or trained but his name in the squad at least provides something of a pick me up and a hint of what the next couple of weeks might bring.
This is who the boss has gone with for the final game before the winter break:
Jack Butland, James Tavernier, Ridvan Yilmaz, John Souttar, Connor Goldson, Kieran Dowell, John Lundstram, Todd Cantwell, Abdallah Sima, Ross McCausland, Cyriel Dessers
Three points in this sort of game is all that matters as the squad starts to see more senior players return against a Kilmarnock side that has already beaten us and Celtic this season.
Keep the pressure on, get bodies back and strengthen before the league restarts and we will be on the right track.
