Rangers showed in the League Cup semi final that while they may not be in brilliant form presently, they are remain better than us by a considerable margin. We played close to our best and when we give them a fright, they managed to up their game to progress regardless. Our record at Ibrox is nothing short of dismal and even claiming a point here would be a significant achievement after suffering two 4-1 defeats against Rangers in the league this term.
Our last visit to Ibrox
Our squad may have been boosted by the signing of Francis Jeffers in mid-week but the manager certainly does not have many options. Saunders is suspended (and injured!) and Lasley is also a big concern having taken a knock to the ribs in Stranraer. Hammell missed out on that game and is not certain to return while another member of the defence is struggling as Craigan picked up an injury playing against Scotland. Should neither be able to play, Page, Gunning, Hutchison and Hateley could be our frighteningly inexperienced back four.
Further up the park scoring goals has been a major problem and it remains to be seen if Jeffers will be thrown in directly or if Humphrey, Jones, Sutton and Murphy will be relied upon to create once more.
We will no doubt battle hard in this game but Rangers are in urgent need of the points for their own reasons and it is likely the gap in quality between the teams will be too much to bridge. Escaping with our dignity in a 2-0 loss may well be the height of our ambitions.