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. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Rangers romped home to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend, thanks to a first-half goal from Ianis Hagi. Steven Gerrard’s side will be back in action when they make the trip to Paisley to lock horns with St. Mirren on Wednesday.
The Saints beat the Ibrox giants 3-2 in the quarter-final of the Scottish League Cup last month and will be hoping to cause another major upset. Rangers, though, will be the hot favourites to come away with all three points, having beaten Jim Goodwin’s side in the Premiership back in August.
Rangers are currently 16 points clear of arch-rivals Celtic atop the standings, although the Hoops still have three games in hand.
Ryan Jack and Filip Helander are still on the sidelines while Scott Arfield might not be fit enough to start against St. Mirren, despite coming off the bench in the last game. Nikola Katic remains a long-term absentee for the Gers with a knee injury.
The veteran pulled off a brilliant late save to preserve yet another clean sheet against Hibs in the last game and should retain his place between the sticks.
The skipper had a rather poor game at the weekend by his lofty standards and will be expected to return to his sparkling best against St. Mirren.
The former Brighton man has been an undisputed starter under Gerrard and will be high on confidence after putting in a solid shift at the back in the last game.
The Nigerian international has done a decent job and should continue in the starting XI in the absence of Helander.
The Croatian excelled at both ends of the pitch in the 1-0 win at home against Hibernian and will be expected to continue his good work at Paisley in the midweek fixture.
The veteran has impressed with some strong displays in recent weeks and is likely to be handed another start in the absence of Jack.
The Nigerian showed strong signs of getting back to his best in the last game and Gerrard should continue to back him with regular starts.
The former Arsenal man has been one of the standout performers for Rangers this season and could have a big part to play on Wednesday.
The Romanian youngster grabbed his opportunity with both hands to score the winner against Hibernian in the last game and should start once again in the midweek clash.
Rangers will be hoping to have their influential playmaker at his best after a rather poor display in the home win against Hibs.
The Colombian only came off the bench in the last game but Gerrard should hand him a start ahead of Roofe to rotate his squad for the test at Paisley.