On Saturday the current runaway leaders will face struggling Kilmarnock at home, this will be Kilmarnock’s first game with new boss Tommy Wright in charge but we shouldn’t need to worry about a case of New Manager Syndrome come the game.
Steven Gerrard will be looking for a reaction from his side after a lacklustre match when we dropped points away to Hamilton on Sunday, and despite this just probably being nothing other than an off-day it can be expected that a few changes might be changed.
Rangers will be without Alfredo Morelos as he is still suspended and will also be without Kemar Roofe after his 2 match ban was upheld, – this was thoroughly discussed during Gerrard’s press conference earlier as once again he called for consistency in SFA compliance system as although in isolation Kemar Roofe should have been banned for his challenge Gerrard brought up the point that players have gotten away with worse challenges. Being professional as always he did not mention any names but challenges such as Curtis Main’s on Barisic a few weeks ago is an example. Rangers were also handed a boost as both Scott Arfield and Jermain Defoe returned to training on Thursday and Gerrard stated that he will make a decision on their matchday inclusion later today.
The visitors Kilmarnock will be without Callum Waters, Kirk Broadfoot and Stuart Findlay all due to various injuries and will also be without Alan Power. However today the Ayrshire club announced the signing of former Ger Kyle Lafferty but it is doubtful he will make an appearance due to fitness related issues.
In terms of form Kilmarnock are currently on the worst run that any other team in the league has faced this season losing their last 6 games in a row and failing to score in 5 of them. However this game is not to be taken as an easy 3 points as I’d imagine Tommy Wright’s side will start to rally ahead of a relegation battle.
Back to Rangers, Gerrard’s team selection as afore mentioned may see a few changes. It is likely that Bongani Zungu will drop out after a failing to impress last weekend. It could also be possible that Gerrard will make some rotational changes ahead of Thursday’s Europa League round of 32 match against Royal Antwerp which could see players such as Filip Helander and Ianis Hagi drop out to probably be replaced with Scott Wright and either Leon Balogun or new signing Jack Simpson.
Cedric Itten will more than likely keep his place after a difficult trip to Hamilton due to the lack of strikers being available.
Last time out against Kilmarnock it was a 1-0 away win after a James Tavernier penalty but the score-line does not represent the performance as Rangers dominated for large parts of the game as well as resting a few players due to having Europa League group stage games either side of the fixture.
Steven Gerrard should hope for an emphatic reaction and we do too.