Rangers take on Kilmarnock tonight in what will be one of Philippe Clement’s toughest test since arriving in Glasgow.
The Gers boss enjoyed a 3-1 win at Ibrox in the first fixture of 2024 before the winter break and he will be looking for a repeat, despite having a few key players from his squad missing through injury.
As always, Derek McInnes will have his team well organised to face Rangers and this is what his Kilmarnock team has to contend with.
Rangers v Kilmarnock – Team news confirmed
Jack Butland’s form has seen his name put in contention with an England recall, Saturday’s win over Hearts might have been comfortable but, he still had a couple of sharp stops to make.
He’ll have to be on his toes tonight, especially from set-pieces.
Clement has been rotating his team but there is a lot to be said for a consistent defence to build better partnerships, especially on the left-hand side where there tends to be more changes.
Ridvan Yilmaz is showing what he is really capable of and fits the gaffer’s philosophy perfectly, however, Borna Barisic has been here many times before and knows what is needed.
Either call would have its positives and negatives given how congested the fixture list is.
In midfield, without Todd Cantwell, there is more to think about for Philippe Clement.
Against Hearts, he threw a surprise with his attacking duo of Tom Lawrence and Mohamed Diomande operating in front of John Lundstram.
Diomande has hit the ground running but the plus side with the Ivorian is that he is fresh seeing as he was only in pre-season training before he arrived at the club.
The same goes for Dujon Sterling, who was preferred on the right-hand side of the attack at Ibrox at the weekend.
The former Chelsea academy product’s versatility could come in handy over the coming weeks and months but he only has a place on the bench tonight as Ross McCausland returns.
Choosing between Cyriel Dessers and Fabio Silva must have come down to Clement hinting that a more direct style is necessary on a playing surface that isn’t always conducive to fast, free flowing football.
There will be space in behind, as long as we don’t go long and bypass the midfield too often but it looks like we will be trying to get the ball up to Silva quickly and press high up.
This is who Philippe Clement has gone with as Rangers look to see off Kilmarnock and maintain top spot:
The manager always emphasises how important energy and intensity are, if we get those right, the results should follow.
Let them worry about us.
