Rangers’ line-up against Hamilton probably won’t have too many surprises, but is it time for an enforcer to return?
The Gers have several injury concerns heading into their clash at the Hope CBD Stadium. Borna Barisic, Nikola Katic, Scott Arfield, and Kyle Lafferty are all injury doubts for Sunday. Only Arfield actually joined up with his international side – Canada. His hamstring injury however could open up an opportunity for Ryan Jack to return.
Jack got his first 25 minutes or so of game-time since returning from injury against Hearts. This weekend could see him given another shot in what’s a must-win game for Rangers.
The away form has been highly spoken about this season. Rangers haven’t won in any of their four trips away from Ibrox in the Premiership. It’s a stat that has to change this weekend, and for the better from a Rangers perspective.
So who should start the bid to kick-start Rangers’ away form?
Who should start?
As always, Allan McGregor will be the trusted number one. His form this season continues to be of the top-drawer variety. A series of stunning saves against Israel cemented his place as Scotland’s number one. He’ll come into this one as usual full of confidence.
At the back, the full-backs are most likely going to be James Tavernier and Jon Flanagan. Tavernier continues to perform on a weekly basis as captain, and is growing into his new responsibility. Flanagan is likely to be entrusted once more with performing at left-back. As Barisic continues to recover from his knock, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be risked on Accies’ artificial surface.
In the heart of the defence, Gerrard will have his easiest decision of the afternoon. Connor Goldson is a consistent performer and will be in there once more after being rested during the international break. Joe Worrall will be the man to park up alongside him, however, given the fact that Katic will also be in the same boat as Barisic.
Daniel Candeias remains in fine form, and put in a tremendously energetic display against Hearts. He’ll therefore likely perform once more down the right. Down the other side, Ryan Kent has to play. Gerrard made a huge error in not fielding the on-loan Liverpool star against Livingston. Therefore, that same mistake isn’t likely to be made again.
The big midfield talking point
Arfield’s injury opens up a huge chance for someone. Ross McCrorie, Andy Halliday, and Graham Dorrans are all waiting in the wings for an opportunity. Jack, however, is the prime candidate.
With Lassana Coulibaly and Ovie Ejaria playing with him in the midfield, it’ll be interesting to see that combination feature once more.
Going forward, Lafferty’s injury means the onus will fall once more on Alfredo Morelos for goals. The Colombian forward is Rangers’ top goalscorer this season, and netted once more against Hearts. He remains refreshed after the international break after failing to get a call-up to the Colombian squad.
So Gerrard will have to juggle certain injury concerns, and has one or two questions to answer in the midfield.
In the meantime, here is our predicted starting XI in full:
