Steven Gerrard working wonders with Rangers
Rangers will return to action after the two-week hiatus due to the international break as they welcome Livingston to the Ibrox Stadium on Saturday.
This is the second meeting of the season between the two sides. Last time they clashed, Rangers were beaten 1-0 by Gary Holt’s side and they will be keen on avoiding a repeat of that result. The Gers will be high on confidence heading into the game, having thrashed Motherwell 7-1 prior to the international break.
Rangers currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership table, just two points off of leaders Celtic and manager Steven Gerrard must aim to keep up with the arch-rivals with a victory against the newly-promoted side.
Summer signing Borna Barisic is closing in on a return to full fitness but is unlikely to be rushed back into action by Gerrard. Midfielder Ryan Jack withdrew from international duty for Scotland with an injury but is expected to be available for the weekend encounter.
Nikola Katic came off with an injury in the previous game and may sit this one out. However, Connor Goldson is back in contention, having missed the Motherwell game with an illness. On-loan winger Ryan Kent remains sidelined, however, along with Jamie Murphy and Graham Dorrans.
Here’s how the Glasgow outfit might take the field against Livingston on Saturday;
The veteran shot-stopper has been a permanent fixture in Gerrard’s team this season and that is unlikely to change when Livingston come visiting this weekend.
Another ever-present in the Rangers’ sides when fit and available, club captain James Tavernier should continue at right-back on Saturday.
Having missed the last game with a chest issue, the summer signing should walk back into the starting XI in place of Nikola Katic, who picked up an injury against Motherwell.
The on-loan Nottingham Forest defender has done well in his short spell with the Ibrox outfit and should hold on to his spot ahead of veteran defender Gareth McAuley.
With Barisic still not ready to return, Andy Halliday should continue to deputize at left-back ahead of summer signing Jon Flanagan.
The former Burnley midfielder grabbed a double against Motherwell last time out and should retain his spot in the middle of the park for the Gers.
The midfielder missed the Motherwell encounter due to compassionate leave but should get the nod on Saturday with Ryan Jack recovering from an injury recently.
The on-loan Liverpool midfielder has missed just two Premiership games this season for his temporary club. Another start beckons for the talented Englishman on Saturday.
The Portuguese wasn’t involved against Motherwell due to suspension, but could walk right back into the starting XI on the right flank for the weekend clash.
With 15 goals and 8 assists from 25 matches across all competitions, El Bufalo is the Gers’ chief goal threat and should continue to spearhead the attack against Livingston.
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Having made a slow start to life in Scotland, the winger scored a brace against Motherwell last time out and should be rewarded with another start against on Saturday.
