Predicted XI for Firhill – one big change…

If fans are agreed on any one thing right now, it is that a number of players did not deliver on Saturday.

From Alfredo Morelos’ patchy showing, to Josh Windass’ AWOL, to James Tavernier’s weakest display in some time, it was definitely a match where too many players did not perform highly enough to produce a result.

While it would probably be a bit kneejerk to make wholesale changes, especially given the gravity of tomorrow’s trip to Firhill, we would nevertheless hope Graeme Murty would not send out the same XI at 19:45 as he did at the weekend, but fear it will not be far off.

What changes?

We would leave the defence untouched. The fact is the depth of alternatives is not overly impressive, and the only alternative fullbacks following poor respective displays by both on Saturday are the unfit Lee Wallace and the unfancied Lee Hodson.

But midfield and attack should well see one or two alterations, but are unlikely to. Despite what fans are saying publicly, Jason Holt is not one of the team’s best players. He is technically insufficient, cannot tackle and cannot pass – he is a terrier and a nuisance and wins many free kicks, but we need more power in there. And that, for us, is where Greg Docherty comes in. But with Holt being captain, despite a poor display from him too against Lennon’s lot, we cannot see Murty keeping him benched. Especially if he gives Miller a start and the captaincy – Holt being benched and losing the captaincy at the same time would be a bit much.

Sean Goss had a good game, one of Rangers’ better players, and deserves to retain his place, certainly in absence of useful uninjured alternatives in all honesty. And unless the manager finally decides to try a different formation, which would surprise us, it is two of Holt, Goss and Docherty. We hope for the latter two, but expect the former.

Up front, Murphy should keep his place, while Windass should be a bench option – make him do damage if needed later on but regardless probably will start. Daniel Candeias had an adequate match on Saturday but not a great one, and we are undecided if we would keep him in – on balance, we probably would given the graft he would do against a dogged Thistle. We would start Jason Cummings in Windass’ role – he was isolated in both recent cameos, Fraserburgh and Hibs respectively, and was forced to come deeper to get the ball. Even against County his goal was from deep. We feel given a little freedom to roam he could do the same kind of work but more effectively but given he is yet to begin a 90, we would be surprised if he does tomorrow.

And up front? Morelos. This kid is a goalscorer but his head is in a weird place right now. But with the only (feasible) alternative Cummings struggling in the current formation, we would be reluctant to put him on his own up top. His best displays for Hibs were generally as a partnership, often with Malonga or Stokes supporting, and we are not 100% certain he can thrive as a lone striker. Hence sticking with the Colombian.

Then of course there is the Kenny Miller equation to add to proceedings. The veteran forward is back from injury and looks set to play a role tomorrow whether fans like it or not, and we cannot even begin to predict what is going to happen with him. We simply cannot call if he will start or not, but our instincts say yes.

We predict the same formation with Miller in Candeias’ place:

Foderingham; Tavernier, Bates, Martin, John; Holt, Goss; Murphy, Miller, Windass; Morelos.

The other possibility is Morelos benched, Candeias on the right and Miller the lone striker.

The fact is, with Miller’s return, all bets are off, and anyone who omits him from the XI is a braver supporter than us.

Who do you think Murty will pick?