Daniel Feliciano

Sun 12 March 2023 8:10, UK

Michael Beale is unlikely to make changes to his Rangers starting lineup for the Scottish Cup clash with Raith Rovers on Sunday (12 March) after his press conference comments.

The Gers claimed a dominant 4-1 win over Hibernian in midweek in what was largely considered as the best performance of his reign as manager so far.

Beale announced during his pre-match press conference on Friday (10 March) that he had several players available after injury again for this game, but that he expected to name his strongest side against Championship opposition.

That should mean Allan McGregor keeps his place in goal, with the veteran claiming the number one shirt after plenty of rotation between himself and Jon McLaughlin since Beale’s arrival at Ibrox.

Captain James Tavernier and vice-captain Connor Goldson have both been impressive in recent weeks and should keep their place in the side if Beale sticks to his word, while Borna Barisic is the undisputed first choice left-back despite Ridvan Yilmaz being fit again.

The left centre-back position is another one that is likely to be unchanged, with Ben Davies getting the nod over fit again duo Leon King and John Souttar for now.

Glen Kamara and John Lundstram have struggled since being substituted in the second half of the Viaplay Cup final against Celtic, with January signing Nicolas Raskin and the experienced Ryan Jack forming a solid partnership.

That’s likely to continue here with plenty of energy and quality on the ball, as well as a bit of bite in the tackle in order to win the ball back quickly too.

Further forward there is unlikely to be any changes either.

Fashion Sakala has been in spectacular form for Beale since his arrival at the club during the World Cup break and has made himself almost undroppable, while Ryan Kent is still first-choice in the number ten position despite his contract status being up in the air.

Malik Tillman would usually be a starter but after missing the last two games with injury, Beale is likely to stick with Todd Cantwell in the attacking midfield position with the American to come in and get some minutes at some point in the second half.

Up front, Alfredo Morelos was seemingly the first-choice striker but Colak has started the last two games and scored goals as well as turned in top performances.

With Alfredo Morelos linked with an exit away from the club this summer when his contract expires, Beale could be looking to phase him out of the team in preparation for next season and that should see the Croatian get the nod again.

In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has taken another wild swing at Rangers live on BT Sport.