Starting team to face Killie; this XI could destroy Steve Clarke’s plans

Sitting second the SPL, and not for the first time since Steve Clarke took charge, Kilmarnock’s turnaround under the ex-Chelsea assistant has been one of the stories of the SPL the past 12 months.

While Gary Holt has similarly made a staggering start at Almondvale with Livi, nevertheless Clarke’s men have consistently been one of the best teams in the SPL since his appointment, and they come to Ibrox tomorrow night in excellent form, having not lost since Hibs managed to overcome them on the 15th of September.

Rangers’ own present domestic form is a cause of concern, of course, but one thing has certainly been true of Steven Gerrard’s reign at Ibrox, and that is of making our home ground a fortress where no one can come away with a win and few even manage to hold us.

With the crushing loss on Sunday still prime in our minds, Gerrard will be looking to make wholesale changes and give fringe players a chance to shine.

With that in mind, we propose the following XI which should have enough about it to overcome most visiting teams.

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Katic, Flanagan; Jack, Coulibaly, Arfield; Middleton, Morelos, Kent

Notes:

Barisic’s injury continues to rule him out and he won’t be able to take part in this one (two week minimum) – a shame given his delivery would have useful against a side who will sit in a lot. Flanagan doesn’t offer half as much in the attacking third but is robust at the back.

Katic deserves a run again – Worrall has been solid, without being inspiring, and there is that nagging feeling that the Goldson Katic partnership is evidently our best one in terms of communication. Furthermore, Worrall’s passing is pretty horric.

Ejaria was injured on his ankle and is a doubt, but frankly deserves a rest anyway – he’s played almost every single match this season be it starting or from the bench missing only two matches, both through injury, and it’s a little much to expect so much from a 20-year old. So perhaps this possibly enforced absence is strangely to his benefit, and will give Arfield the chance to lead midfield again.

Meanwhile we’d start Middleton for this one – Candeias seems to be dividing fans at the moment, with inconsistency and some poor delivery, and Middleton, having signed a new deal, has surely earned the right to actually be in the starting XI in the league for once. Can’t keep him in cotton wool forever Stevie!

What team would you guys pick?