Split image of Rangers manager Derek McInnes and Nicolas Raskin playing in action for Rangers
Derek McInnes and Nicolas RaskinImago

Rangers predicted XI vs St Mirren: Nicolas Raskin ditched as new signing left out

James Barker

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with editorial experience at Football League World. FOCUS Statistical analysis and long-form opinion across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT James utilises data and a network of club contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis. He provides the statistical depth and editorial judgment behind the stories to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Rangers welcome St Mirren to Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership for a Wednesday night clash under the lights.

Derek McInnes' men appear to have somewhat turned a corner in recent weeks.

It's now three league wins on the spin for Gers, after the crushing disappointment of their Conference League defeat to Jablonec.

Rangers beat St Mirren 5-1 in the Scottish League Cup last month, and could have a big psychological advantage too.

The Buddies have responded to that defeat well though, losing one of their next three and are sitting third in the table above Rangers on goal difference.

Ahead of Wednesday's 7:45pm kick-off, Ibrox News predicts how McInnes will line his Rangers side up for the visit of St Mirren.

Derek McInnes seems to have found his Rangers defensive recipe

Arguably the most important part of the pitch to get right is in defence.

McInnes appears to have discovered his strongest foundation at the back, as evidenced by him largely sticking with the same group during this winning run.

In goal, Ivor Pandur appears nailed on to retain the starting gloves, whilst Dujon Sterling could keep Kosta Nedeljkovic out of the team at right-back.

Over on the left, James Penrice should start over Ross McCrorie in the absence of the injured Tuur Rommens.

The centre-back pairing could again be Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya, who seem to be forming a very strong partnership.

So, with no changes from the win over Motherwell at the back, will McInnes tinker with his midfield?

Split image of Rangers manager Derek McInnes and Nicolas Raskin playing in action for Rangers
Rangers 'question marks' flagged over Nicolas Raskin transfer decision

Raskin's head doesn't seem to be where Rangers need it

After being unable to seal his summer transfer away from Ibrox, Nicolas Raskin remains in Govan.

But in the last two league games against Falkirk and Motherwell, the typically excellent Belgian has looked considerably off his game.

As such, we think McInnes may now drop Raskin and could replace him with Cammy Devlin, who still has plenty to prove for Gers.

Dan Neil was impressive against Motherwell, and could keep his place in the lineup on Wednesday, forming a solid base.

On the left wing, Djeidi Gassama has been in strong form of late, and could retain his role in the side moving forward.

Meanwhile, on the right, Findlay Curtis could keep new signing Badredine Bouanani at bay for another game as the Algerian builds his match fitness.

Minsu Kim started in the number 10 spot against Motherwell and played well despite a missed penalty, and should keep his place too.

That just leaves the striker position to sort out, and McInnes will surely be losing sleep over this decision.

McInnes' stick or twist Ryan Naderi decision outlined

Rangers significantly bolstered their centre-forward options with a last-minute move for Kevin Kelsy.

The 22-year-old came off the bench for his debut against Motherwell, and is match fit given he'd already played 23 times for Portland Timbers this year.

With Lawrence Shankland now injured, Ryan Naderi was called upon to take his place after eight minutes against Motherwell.

Just four minutes later and the German had netted what turned out to be the winning goal, which is his third in all competitions this term.

Kelsy hasn't come to Ibrox to sit on the bench, but Naderi was superb against Motherwell and clearly has plenty of potential and quality of his own.

Therefore, we think McInnes might stick with Naderi up top against St Mirren, but he needs to keep firing with Kelsy breathing down his neck.

Rangers predicted XI vs St Mirren: Pandur; Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya, Penrice; Devlin, Neil, Curtis, Kim, Gassama; Naderi

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