OPINION
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is expected to make two changes from the starting XI which beat Maribor in midweek when the Light Blues welcome St Mirren to Ibrox on Sunday.
The Gers will play their first league game at home this season, having kicked off their domestic campaign with a visit to Aberdeen – a controversial clash which ended 1-1 courtesy of an added time equaliser from the home side.
Having defeated Maribor 3-1 at Ibrox in their Europa League qualifier, Gerrard is expected to axe centre back Nikola Katic and attacker Ryan Kent, both starting against the Slovenians, with summer signing Borna Barisic and winger Jamie Murphy likely to take their places.
Barisic, a signing from NK Osijek, was ineligible for the European clash and so could step up to make his debut alongside fellow summer signing Connor Goldson, giving the former Brighton man’s partner Katic a rest after his display against Maribor.
Murphy started the draw with Aberdeen but found himself dropped in place of Kent, so appears set to take his place back after coming off the bench for just over 10 minutes of action in the Europa League qualifier.
Up front, Alfredo Morelos is available after seeing his red card rescinded to just a yellow following an appeal, and in midfield Lassana Coulibaly, Ovie Ejaria, Daniel Candeias and Scott Arfield are expected to keep their places, Ryan Jack out with a head injury.
Allan McGregor is the firm number one choice as goalkeeper, and ahead of him James Tavernier and Jon Flanagan will probably flank Goldson and Barisic at the heart of defence.
Expected team: McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Barisic, Flanagan; Candeias, Arfield, Ejaria, Coulibaly, Murphy; Morelos