Rangers have had that many low points this season that the defeat to Kilmarnock is only one of many, rather than a blip that needs to be put right.
Pedestrian, uninspiring, predictable. Three words that could be used to describe almost every domestic game away from home this season and, if truth be told, things have only been marginally better at Ibrox under a manager who is increasingly under pressure – even when he wins.
A bottom three of Kilmarnock, Hibernian and Hearts is not what was predicted at the start of the season, however, there is no such thing as an easy game for Rangers right now.
Predicted Rangers XI vs Kilmarnock
Here is your predicted XI for the latest must win game as Clement fights for his future.
With Dujon Sterling not fully fit, James Tavernier has been given a reprieve with the immediate priority now making sure that the former Chelsea academy graduate is fit to face Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final.
At centre-back, the only two that Clement can really trust are John Souttar and Leon Balogun with Jefte providing a degree of consistency at left-back.
The question is whether or not Ridvan has played enough minutes to start yet, but he too should be a consideration for the cup final given his previous performances against Celtic’s pacey attackers where his diminutive stature isn’t quite as much of an issue.
It is time for a change in midfield. Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron have built a good partnership, but at home, and in games where possession is to be dominated, Rangers need players with more of an attacking edge.
Mohamed Diomande looked back to his best against Nice and playing at No.8 instead of 10, shouldn’t have a bearing on how he plays when confidence has been his biggest issue.
Again, with one eye on the cup final, Clement has a big decision to make in the forward line.
Who gets the nod for Rangers up front?
Ianis Hagi has a winning record against Celtic in his time at Rangers, and his ineligibility in Europe means that he should start every domestic game for now.
Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny could both do with a rest, but the approach should be to take them off early, rather than having to throw them on in desperation.
Hamza Igamane continues to adapt to the Scottish game and deserves to keep his place with the weekend’s trip to Dingwall the ideal place to rotate with Danilo.
Whichever forward looks the sharpest between now and the cup final should start.
With three fit and available, it should be on form and nothing else.
- Line-up: Butland, Tavernier, Jefte, Souttar, Balogun, Raskin, Diomande, Hagi, Cerny, Bajrami, Igamane
