Nicolas Raskin and Alex Lowry to start, Todd Cantwell and John Lundstram miss out – Rangers predicted XI v Partick Thistle
Michael Beale is expected to make several changes to his Rangers starting lineup for the Scottish Cup fifth round clash with Partick Thistle on Sunday.
The Gers have had the week off after picking up a 2-1 win over Ross County last time out, and can concentrate on defending their cup title against lower league opposition this weekend at Ibrox.
But because of injury and their schedule, the boss is likely to make some changes to the side from the last fixture which could see some rare starts handed out to players.
John McLaughlin got the nod between the sticks last time out and will most likely keep his place in the cup competitions as rotation between himself and Allan McGregor continues.
In defence there aren’t too many options and Beale is likely to go with his most trusted and most used back four of captain James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Borna Barisic.
Ridvan Yilmaz and John Souttar are still out injured, while Beale is yet to use James Sands regularly or Adam Devine since Borna Barisic’s return from the World Cup.
In midfield John Lundstram is out with the injury he picked up against Ross County, which should open the door for January transfer Nicolas Raskin to make his debut for the club.
The technically tidy player has previously been mentioned as competition for Glen Kamara’s position on the pitch, which means it’s likely to be Scotland international Ryan Jack who starts alongside him.
Further forward Malik Tillman and Ryan Kent are key men in Beale’s system and are likely to take up the “wide” roles in the three players behind the striker to keep their rhythm and form going.
But while Todd Cantwell and Fashion Sakala have been competing for the third spot so far under Beale, Alex Lowry has quietly been waiting for his opportunity and it could arrive here as the number ten.
Ahead of him Alfredo Morelos has been in great form in recent weeks and has taken back the throne as first-choice striker, but Beale admitted that he has been impressed by Antonio Colak in training and that the Croatian is likely to start up front.
Predicted Rangers XI v Partick Thistle: McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic; Raskin, Jack; Tillman, Lowry, Kent; Colak
In other Rangers news, the club must not be sentimental when it comes to this ace’s contract situation in the summer.