Alex Lowry and Leon King to start – Rangers predicted XI v Kilmarnock
Michael Beale could Alex Lowry a rare start in the Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock after his winning goal for Rangers in the ViaPlay Cup.
The Bears claimed a place in the cup final against fierce rivals Celtic with an extra-time win over Aberdeen at Hampden at the weekend, but now their attention turns back to the title race.
After having to play 120 minutes the boss could look to make changes to his side to freshen things up, leading to some big decisions to be made.
Allan McGregor came back into the side for the cup semi-final and turned in a good performance, so should keep his place in the side despite Jon McLaughlin playing well recently.
James Tavernier and Connor Goldson are unlikely to be dropped any time soon such is their importance to the team, and despite Adam Devine’s form after the resumption of the season following the World Cup, Borna Barisic has established himself as first-choice left-back too.
Goldson’s partner at the back is the big question mark with Ben Davies the preferred partner thus far, but after playing for 120 minutes at the weekend youngster Leon King could come back into the side to not overwork him.
Ryan Jack got a huge equalising goal in the game with Aberdeen, but after playing the full game he is likely to sit this one out. It could be a big chance for young Alex Lowry to get the nod from the start in a slightly deeper role.
John Lundstram was substituted in extra-time and therefore should be fit enough to come back into the side from the start here, bringing his experience and discipline to win the midfield battle.
Beale has so far gone with a 4-2-3-1 formation and his chosen three has been Malik Tillman, Fashion Sakala Jr and Ryan Kent floating across the attack to cause havoc between the lines.
The depth in those positions is limited right now with Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence still recovering from injury while Rabbi Matondo and Scott Wright just simply don’t offer the same quality, and that means they’re almost certain to start once again.
Up front though Antonio Colak missed the semi-final with an injury which allowed Alfredo Morelos to start again, but it was the forgotten man Kemar Roofe who got the winning goal.
His injury in the dying minutes is likely to see him miss the game however, giving Morelos yet another chance from the start to kickstart his season.
Predicted Rangers XI v Kilmarnock: McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, King, Barisic; Lowry, Lundstram; Tillman, Kent, Sakala; Roofe
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