George Overhill

Wed 2 March 2022 18:45, UK

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Rangers starting XI for Wednesday’s Scottish Premiership visit to St Johnstone has been announced.

The Light Blues threw away a two-goal lead to draw with Motherwell at the weekend, missing the opportunity to cut Celtic’s lead at the top of the table to a point in the process.

The manager had only made two changes from the massive Ibrox night against Borussia Dortmund, and for a second week running his side laboured to a draw following European exertions.

There is just one change from last time out, with Leon Balogun replacing 24-year-old Fashion Sakala.

Under-fire Allan McGregor keeps his place behind a back four of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Balogun and Calvin Bassey.

John Lundstram moves back into midfield following his game-and-a-half at centre-back, alongside Glen Kamara, while Scott Arfield, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent support Alfredo Morelos in attack.

Win vital

Questions were suddenly thrown up after the result on Sunday, particularly surrounding the tactical decision to start Lundstram in a back four with Balogun on the bench, and the form of Goldson and McGregor.

For the mood to drop so soon after the hugely-uplifting atmosphere that following the vanquishing of the Europa was hugely disappointing.

The need to get back to winning ways tonight is huge in order to avoid further doubts creeping in over the side’s ability to retain their league title.

Zambian Sakala is unlucky to miss out following his goalscoring performance against The Steelmen, as the manager appears to be steadfastly against making major changes lately.

Any negative result tonight is likely to go down especially badly in light of the angry reaction among fans from the plans to play Celtic in Australia in November.

So the pressure is on in terms of points and sentiment to address the patchy domestic form and get a win.

In other Rangers news, a shareholder group has demanded answers from the club over the November travel plans.