Rangers return to Ibrox to take on Kilmarnock in what is sure to be another attack v defence exercise and face the prospect of having to do so without Alfredo Morelos in the starting line-up after Steven Gerrard revealed that he isn’t in the “right frame of mind” to play.
Having failed to capitalise on the few chances that they did manage to create against Livingston – Morelos being guilty too – Gerrard will be hoping that his forward line returns to form with the carrot of putting a nine point gap between themselves and Celtic, should they secure three points.
Should Morelos be dropped?
Yes
No
The away team has yet to record a win in the Premiership this season but did hold Celtic to a 1-1 draw, they have also yet to lose a game by more than one goal – expect another close, and nerve wracking encounter and Killie trying like bears for 90 minutes.
Rangers will have to increase the early tempo if we are to return to winning ways, allowing Livi to settle into their game plan was definitely counter-productive and one that the gaffer will want to avoid again.
With a full week between fixtures for the first time in what seems like Gerrard’s full tenure, he will have had the chance to further integrate new boys Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe, given Joe Aribo’s continued absence it would be a surprise if both of them aren’t given their first starts for the club with Ianis Hagi and Ryan Kent in support.
This is the shape I would go with to get the “W” today with there unlikely to be major changes to a side that has four clean sheets in the first four league games, Scott Arfield – for me – will drop out, given how ineffective he was against Livi’s low block and to allow more of our creative ball players to get on the park, and I’d bring Itten on for Morelos – better to have in-form than in a huff leading the line.
The only other notable absentees are Jermain Defoe and Leon Balogun with Allan McGregor back in full training, whether or not he will replace Jon McGlaughlin in goals is up for debate given his impressive start to his Gers career.
Three points is an absolute must today with Celtic facing a potentially sticky trip to Tannadice, how they would react to genuine pressure and a nine point deficit would make for interesting watching – Rangers must complete their side of the bargain first of all though.