[Image] Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers XI to face St. Mirren – Can the Gers achieve progress in the cup?

published

16/12/2020 1:00 AM

Predicted Rangers XI to face St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup

Rangers romped home to a comfortable 2-1 win over Dundee United on Matchday 17 of the Scottish Premiership, thanks to first-half goals from James Tavernier and Connor Goldson.

The Gers are now set to turn their focus to the Scottish League Cup with a fourth-round tie away at St. Mirren on Wednesday. Steven Gerrard’s side beat League One side Falkirk in the previous round but will face a tougher test against a top-flight opposition who have done well in recent weeks.

The Ibrox giants, though, will head into the fixture as the hot favourites and a win on Wednesday night will see them make it to the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup for the fifth successive season.

Team News

Gerrard doesn’t have any significant injuries to contend with ahead of the League Cup tie against the Saints. Nikola Katic remains a long-term absentee for the Gers with a knee injury but Filip Helander should be fit to play after recovering fully from Covid-19.

rangers v aberdeen ladbrokes scottish premiership 1 — GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 22: Kemar Roofe of Rangers (C) celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on November 22, 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Probable Rangers XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Jon McLaughlin (GK)

The former Sunderland keeper has done a commendable job whenever he has been called into action and Gerrard should hand him an opportunity in the cup tie.

James Tavernier (RB)

The skipper grabbed a goal and an assist in Rangers’ 2-1 win over Dundee United in the last game and will be high on confidence heading into the midweek clash.

Leon Balogun (CB)

The Nigerian put in an impressive shift at the heart of the backline last week and should retain his place on the teamsheet.

Filip Helander (CB)

The Swedish international has found his game time restricted in recent weeks but could get a look in for the cup tie against St. Mirren if Gerrard opts for rotation.

rangers v aberdeen ladbrokes scottish premiership 2 — GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 22: Scott Arfield of Rangers(R) celebrates with Borna Barisic of Rangers after scoring their sides third goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on November 22, 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Calvin Bassey (LB)

The former Leicester City starlet has looked exciting in the limited opportunities he has been afforded so far and he could find himself in the mix on Wednesday.

Bongani Zungu (CDM)

The South African international has been a peripheral figure in Gerrard’s set-up but he could get an opportunity to prove himself if Gerrard decides to rest some of the regular starters.

Joe Aribo (LCM)

Kamara has been absolutely brilliant for Rangers this season but Gerrard should hand the Nigerian some game time in the League Cup.

Scott Arfield (RCM)

The former Burnley man has been an epitome of consistency for the Gers and remains a key cog in the club’s engine room.

Ianis Hagi (RW)

The Romanian playmaker has found regular minutes hard to come by this season but Gerrard should try him out in the cup tie.

Rangers (Getty Images) — Rangers will face St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup on Wednesday (Getty Images)

Brandon Barker (LW)

Yet another fringe player in the Ibrox set-up, the former Man City starlet could be set for some valuable game time on Wednesday.

Jermain Defoe (ST)

The veteran remains a go-to man for Gerrard in the cup ties and the clash against St. Mirren could be a good opportunity for the striker to roll back the years.