Andy Walker has predicted that Rangers will beat Kilmarnock 3-1 when the two sides meet at Rugby Park on Wednesday night.
Steven Gerrard’s men return to competitive action for the first time since the win against Celtic in December after their Scottish Cup trip to Cowdenbeath was postponed last Friday.
Ex-Celtic player Walker believes that it will be a winning start to the year for the Light Blues, having been impressed by their capture of Jermain Defoe on loan from Bournemouth in the winter break.
Speaking about Defoe on the Sky Sports website, Walker said: “He’s had a magnificent career at the highest level in England, just how will he fare in the fast-paced Scottish Premiership?”
OPINION
It might not be completely straightforward for Rangers on Wednesday night. Since arriving at Kilmarnock, Steve Clarke has been the biggest thorn in the side of the two Old Firm clubs and his side fully deserve to be where they are in the Scottish Premiership table right now. If Rangers want to win the league then they have to be beating Killie. Even though they are third-placed and are doing very well, they simply have to get the better of them. If Gerrard’s side can’t beat the other top teams in the league then they will have no chance of beating Celtic to the title. There will be a lot of pressure on Rangers players on Wednesday night and a lot less on those who will be playing in blue and white stripes. The Gers will need their best players to step up and show their quality if they want to win this one. Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Ryan Jack all have to play at the top of their game. It will be interesting to see if Defoe is in the starting line-up or is used as a late substitute.