After Sunday’s crushing Old Firm loss to Celtic, Rangers manager Graeme Murty has some thinking to do, and it doesn’t really get a lot easier on Saturday when high-flying Kilmarnock come into town tomorrow.
The Rugby Park men have been completely overhauled by Steve Clarke, and the former West Brom boss and Chelsea assistant has seen his new charges through an incredible run which has seen them lose only three times since October, all defeats, oddly enough, to Aberdeen, including one on penalties.
They even did what Rangers could not, and beat Celtic.
In short, Murty has his work cut out to get three points this Saturday and with no David Bates, less options too.
In goal we cannot envisage any change, with Foderingham off a mixed Old Firm having made some excellent saves but some mistakes too.
Back four should see no change at full back, but the central berth will change for the second time in three matches, with aforementioned loss of Bates a factor. Bruno Alves will continue, while Fabio Cardoso and Russell Martin vie for the other slot. With the latter back in training, but playing no part in this week’s development squad loss to Brentford B, it’s a toss up between he and the Portuguese.
Midfield is likely to see no alteration, with QPR’s Sean Goss and Greg Docherty retaining their places after Graham Dorrans’ reportedly underwhelming display in aforementioned development squad match.
And attacking midfield will see Jamie Murphy next to Player of the Month Josh Windass, while Daniel Candeias will start his first match fresh off a new contract in a continuation of a consistent five in midfield.
Up front is the big question. Will Alfredo Morelos retain his place following one of the worst misses in Old Firm history and the negative press it generated, or will Jason Cummings finally get the nod to start his first league match for Rangers?
Many have suggested the Colombian frankly needs a rest, and we have stated that Cummings has earned a bigger role – so we have to tip the balance in favour of the ex-Hibs man for this one.
But perhaps Murty has other ideas?
Your Ibrox Noise predicted XI:
Foderingham; Tavernier, Martin, Alves, John; Goss, Docherty; Candeias, Windass, Murphy; Cummings
The most important thing tomorrow there better be a big big response from our players, they will be up for this big time and if it's down to tactics I don't fancy our chances against Clarke.
They better be up for it!!!
Big game was last week Robbie, failed miserably! We are no better or worse than the rest of the SPFL, therefore todays game and all others, is 50/50, and thats just being realistic. Our players are just average.
I just now hope they can get us to second place. Slip against Killie today, and we will struggle even to achieve that!
I 've nothing against morelos but I would start Cummings tomorrow, but as long as we get a reaction and 3 points I 'll leave ibrox happy no matter who plays
3 points is must… Whoever's picked they better up their game as Kille are more than match… Defence is a concern that’s for sure…
Cummings deserves to start this one
If he doesnt start this one …then it probably aint gonna happen for him.
Hope we get the 3points! 🤐💙🏟
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