St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin has talked up his team’s chances ahead of their trip to Rangers, as quoted by Not The Old Firm.
Rangers return to Premiership action at Ibrox on Wednesday evening and face a Buddies side who they defeated 1-0 at St Mirren Park back in August.
The Paisley outfit made it tight that day, but in general, they’ve struggled in the league and currently occupy tenth spot.
Yet, neither their league form nor an uncomfortable outing against East of Scotland League Premier Division side Broxburn Athletic at the weekend, appear to have dampened Goodwin’s confidence.
“We must have that belief we can cause an upset, we’re due to beat one of the big boys soon,” he said, as quoted by Not The Old Firm. “I loved playing at Ibrox, it’s great. There is a very expecting Rangers support now that I believe they can pip Celtic to the title.”
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“The league is great at both ends of the table. When teams like ourselves go there and make life difficult for them, you can sense the anxiety building in the stadium.
“We need to get through that first 15-20 minute period because if you do that you give yourself a great chance of causing an upset.”
Verdict
Goodwin is clearly backing his players to pull something off at Ibrox, and the Gers will be understrength.
Alfredo Morelos is unavailable due to suspension, while James Tavernier and Greg Stewart have joined Filip Helander on the injury list.
However, Rangers have 21 points from a possible 24 at home this season, with their only slip-up in Govan coming against Celtic in September.
Meanwhile, the Buddies have the worst away record of any team in the Premiership, with just four points from a possible 30.
Despite the fact that some big players are missing this one, Steven Gerrard’s men should be far too strong for St Mirren, even if the visitors do escape unscathed from the opening 15-20 minute period highlighted by the opposition manager.