Rangers Ready to Roll: McInnes Weighs Changes as Gers Chase Sixth Straight Win
Rangers are back in business after the international break, and the Light Blues are looking to keep the momentum rolling when Kilmarnock come calling to Ibrox this afternoon. Fresh off back-to-back Old Firm victories that sent shockwaves through Scottish football, Derek McInnes has a few decisions to make as he looks to keep his squad sharp and hungry.
The Gers sit just two points behind Celtic at the top of the Premiership after that 1-0 win at Parkhead, a result that came hot on the heels of a 3-0 demolition of the Hoops in the Premier Sports Cup. That double whammy set up a tasty semi-final clash with Aberdeen, and the Ibrox faithful are starting to believe again after a rocky start to McInnes's reign.
International Break Fallout: Who's Tired and Who's Ready?
Thirteen Rangers players jetted off to represent their countries during the international break, and that kind of travel can take its toll. With no European football left on the calendar this season, McInnes has the luxury of picking his spots to rotate and keep legs fresh for the domestic charge on three fronts.
Long-term absentees Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and Youssef Chermiti remain sidelined, but the gaffer was able to field the same starting XI in both Celtic clashes to devastating effect. Now, though, the question is whether some of those international travellers need a breather.
Defensive Shuffle on the Cards?
Ivor Pandur has cemented his spot as the number one keeper, but the backline in front of him could see some tweaks. Emmanuel Fernandez has played every minute of the season so far, but after featuring for Nigeria in Russia on Wednesday, he might sit this one out.
That would open the door for loan signing Ben Godfrey to partner Olwethu Makhanywa, though the South African defender also logged heavy minutes during the break, playing in all three of Bafana Bafana's fixtures. McInnes might be tempted to rest him too, but with limited options at the back, he may have to gamble on freshness.
Midfield Options: Chukwuani Waiting in the Wings
Tochi Chukwuani has found minutes hard to come by at Ibrox in recent weeks, but this could be his chance. The Dane could slot into a midfield three alongside Dan Neil and Nico Raskin, who have been tipped as a potential title-winning duo by one former Gers star.
Minsu Kim, who made his senior debut for South Korea during the break after jetting off to Asia, might be the one to make way. It's a tough call, but with the fixtures coming thick and fast, rotation is the name of the game.
Attack: Bouanani Knocking on the Door
Up top, we could see a change too. Stuttgart loanee Badredine Bouanani came off the bench in both legs of the Celtic double header, and he might get the nod at the expense of Ryan Naderi. The Czech Republic international earned his first senior cap during the break, but that travel could leave him a step short.
With the squad firing on all cylinders and the title race heating up, McInnes knows the importance of keeping everyone sharp. A sixth straight win in all competitions would send a serious message to the rest of the league.
Predicted Rangers XI vs Kilmarnock
Here's how we see the Gers lining up this afternoon: Pandur in goal; a back four of Godfrey, Makhanywa, and the returning Fernandez if he's fit; a midfield trio of Chukwuani, Neil and Raskin; and an attacking unit led by Bouanani and the in-form forwards.
It's a squad with depth, quality and hunger. The question is whether McInnes trusts his international travellers to shake off the jet lag or turns to the fresher legs on the bench. Either way, the Ibrox crowd will be roaring them on.
Zed Nation says: When you've got the bit between your teeth, you don't let go. Rangers are chasing glory, and the people want to see it delivered.
Stay tuned for full match coverage and reaction as Rangers look to keep the title dream alive.