Rangers host Falkirk for the first time since Falkirk’s promotion this season and are badly in need of a win to boost their confidence ahead of the vital game against Inter Milan midweek.
The Gers are boosted with the news that Thomas Buffel is fit for selection for the first time since October and will feature in the game, however Brahim Hemdani will miss out after picking up an injury against Hibs last week.
This could turn out to be Alex McLeish’s last SPL game in charge of Rangers unless some sort of miracle happens. The last time Rangers had a run as bad as this back in 1909 they returned to form with a 7-0 win over Morton, McLeish will surely need a similar scoreline to have some sort of chance of remaining at Ibrox.
The last time Falkirk visited Ibrox on League business was back in 1996 in a game that finished 3-2 to Rangers. Falkirk haven’t beaten Rangers at Ibrox in the League since the 1925/26 season. The last time the sides met was back in September this year and the game finished 1-1.
Vital Quotes:
Gers manager Alex McLeish on the return of Thomas Buffel: ‘Thomas will make his return and, although he won’t be able to play the full 90 minutes, we hope he can give us a spark.’
Falkirk manager John Hughes on his team selection: ‘I do what I want, I’m the manager and it’s my team.’
Rangers Team News:
The major news for Rangers is the return of Thomas Buffel, he won’t be able to play the full 90 minutes but his return should lift the morale.
Brahim Hemdani will miss out after picking up a hamstring injury.
Rangers will still be missing Olivier Bernard, Julien Rodriguez, Dado Prso, Nacho Novo and Federico Nieto. Barry Ferguson is suspended and Alex Rae is rated as doubtful.
LIKELY LINE-UP
GK. Ronald Waterreus
RB. Alan Hutton
LB. Ian Murray
CB. Soti Kyrgiakos
CB. Marvin Andrews
RM. Chris Burke
CM. Fernando Ricksen
CM. Thomas Buffel
LM. Ross McCormack
ST. Francis Jeffers
ST. Steven Thompson
Player to watch: Thomas Buffel
He won’t be 100% match fit but it will be great to see him back in the team and is always a threat in front of goal.
Falkirk Team News:
No new injury worries for John Hughes who will still be without Jack Ross and Andy Thomson.
Player to watch: Daryl Duffy
The ex Rangers youth will be out to put one over on his old club.
Match Facts & Stats
Last meeting: Falkirk 1 Rangers 1, SPL Sep 10th
Gers record v Falkirk at Ibrox: P77 W62 D13 L2 F214 A55
Ref Watch:
Ian Fyfe
Match Prediction:
Rangers will surely get back to winning ways in this one. I’ll go for an unconvincing 2-0.
Next Fixtures:
Sun 11/12 Kilmarnock (a)
Sat 17/12 Hearts (h)
Mon 26/12 Dunfermline (a)
Sat 31/12 Dundee Utd (h)
Sat 14/1 Motherwell (a)