After being dumped out of the UEFA Europa League, Steven Gerrard’s Rangers will turn their attention back towards the Scottish Premiership, as they gear up to take on Hamilton Academical at the Ibrox Stadium on Sunday.
The Gers failed to make it through to the knockout stages of the European competition, following their 1-0 defeat to Rapid Wien on Thursday night. They will be aiming to put that disappointment behind and keep up the pressure on league leaders and arch-rivals Celtic with a victory against the Accies this weekend.
On-loan Liverpool attacker Ryan Kent has suffered another injury setback and will not be available for the weekend encounter. Alfredo Morelos will be back in contention, having missed the last Premiership encounter against Dundee with a suspension, as will Scott Arfield. Graham Dorrans and Jamie Murphy remain long-term absentees.
Here’s how the Light Blues could take the field against the Accies at home;
The veteran goalkeeper is the undisputed first-choice between the sticks and should continue to feature in the starting XI on Sunday.
The club captain is the obvious choice on the right-hand side of the defence for the Gers, owing to the attacking intent that he offers going forward.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion has firmly established himself as a mainstay at the back for Gerrard’s side since arriving in the summer. Definite starter.
The centre-back, on loan from Nottingham Forest, did not feature in the European encounter on Thursday. Is in line to replace Gareth McAuley at the heart of the defence.
The 27-year-old performed admirably at the left-back position in the absence of Borna Barisic. While the Croatian did start on Thursday, Gerrard should look to afford him a rest at the weekend, handing the Scotsman another start.
Having missed the last two Premiership encounters due to suspension, the former Burnley man is available and should walk right back into the starting XI against the Accies.
The Scotland international has been an ever-present in the middle of the park for the Light Blues when fit and available. Should feature from the kick off on Sunday, despite having started on Thursday.
The on-loan Liverpool youngster is believed to be unsettled at the club, owing to the lack of game time coming his way. Should get a run out against Hamilton this weekend.
The Portuguese winger missed the European encounter with a suspension but will be available for selection on Sunday. Should feature out on the right flank.
The leading goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership with 9 goals to his name so far, the Colombian forward is a certainty to lead the line for the Gers, ahead of Kyle Lafferty.
The summer signing did not start on Thursday night and is likely to get a go against Hamilton, in place of the young Glenn Middleton.