Philippe Clement has named two strikers in his starting XI as Rangers look to full advantage of Celtic’s latest slip-up with a win over St Mirren.
Rangers know how tricky an outfit the Paisley side can be and came undone against St Mirren earlier in the season.
But Philippe Clement has started with both Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane as Rangers go on the hunt for goals in the Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox.
It comes after Celtic slipped up against Hibs at Easter Road to hand Rangers faint hopes of possibly reigniting a title race.
Rangers confirm starting XI v St Mirren
Philippe Clement has started with Jack Butland in goal, with Dutch defender Robin Propper coming back into the side to replace the injured John Souttar.
Clinton Nsiala continues his development with a start alongside the centre-back, with James Tavernier and Jefte the full-backs at Ibrox.
Rangers then start with a strong team from middle to front, Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin starting for the Gers in midfield.
The Ibrox side then start with Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny and Hamza Igamane in behind number nine Cyriel Dessers.
After losing to Celtic in the League Cup Final and crashing out of the Scottish Cup to Queen’s Park, this Rangers team have a small chance for redemption this afternoon.
If Rangers can overcome St Mirren they will cut the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership to ten points with two Old Firm derbies to come.
It comes after Celtic were beaten 2-1 by Hibs at Easter Road and ahead of a big week in Scottish football where both Old Firm sides will play three times in a week.
Rangers team v St Mirren: Butland, Tavernier, Propper, Nsiala, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Hagi, Cerny, Igamane, Dessers
Substitutes: Kelly, Ridvan, Lawrence, Bajrami, Fernandes, McCausland, Rice, Danilo, Curtis
Philippe Clement explains Rangers line-up
Philippe Clement has been explaining his decision to start with two strikers in the shape of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane against St Mirren at Ibrox.
The Rangers manager was speaking to RangersTV and explained that he’s looking for both players to link up and break the St Mirren press.
”Not only the penalty box but also when the moment they press high,” said Clement when asked about Dessers impressing in the 18-yard box.
”They do also in moments, to create the space in behind the defence and to be a good high support where Hamza can play around that.”
Clement also described the return of Danilo as a ‘big boost’ to Rangers with the Brazilian striker back on the bench.
“He’s back now,” said Clement. “He’s been training well.
”It’s good to have players like that who can make the difference on the bench that you have the ability to make some changes in the game.”
