Rangers missed out on the chance to go top of the Scottish Premiership in mid-week and Philippe Clement would have thought that he would be presented with the opportunity to go clear against St Johnstone this afternoon.
The Gers boss is intent on taking it one game at a time and it is a mantra that his squad has bought into as they look to bring the Scottish Premiership title back to Ibrox.
McDiarmid Park has been a tough place to go to in the past and this is who Rangers have gone with to beat St Johnstone.
Rangers v St Johnstone – Team news confirmed
Jack Butland was a virtual spectator against Ross County and would have been fuming at the goal we conceded, he’ll be hoping for an even quieter afternoon today.
Clement has never looked further than the game in hand, however, with Hearts at home on Tuesday, the gaffer has picked his team with one eye on what will be a massive game.
Leon Balogun is fit again after having to wait for his face mask to be fitted and adjusted, John Souttar could have done better at County’s goal and is due a rest.
Midfield is where Philippe Clement had a decision to make in that John Lundstram and Todd Cantwell seem to have the number six and number ten roles nailed down but it is who plays in the second deeper role that is up for debate.
St Johnstone are unlikely to play an open and expansive style of play but are one of the more physical Premiership teams.
Ryan Jack and Tom Lawrence have been rotating recently but, with Mohamed Diomande and Dujon Sterling up to speed and Nicolas Raskin also available, it was a tough call for the boss.
It’s a big opportunity for Diomande to prove why he was brought to the club.
The forward line doesn’t have quite as many options with Rabbi Matondo being missing for the short-term, it’s just as well Oscar Cortes was signed in January.
It’s also a welcome bonus having two strikers who are scoring goals and this is who Rangers have gone with to face St Johnstone:
Three points is a must but the tempo and intensity that has served us so well recently will be key.
