Rangers aim for a fourth straight Scottish Premiership win when they host St Mirren at Ibrox on Wednesday night. The Glasgow club, currently fourth in the table with 10 points from five games, are level on points with their visitors but trail on goal difference.
Manager Derek McInnes has seen his side build momentum with victories over Aberdeen, Falkirk, and Motherwell. He told the BBC that confidence is growing but the pressure to deliver success is constant. "I don't think that ever lifts until you've got a trophy in your hand," McInnes said. The team's recent form has them five points behind leaders Celtic, a gap they will be eager to close.
How will Rangers cope without Lawrence Shankland?
The quest for goals is complicated by a significant injury blow. Striker Lawrence Shankland, who had just found his scoring touch, is expected to be sidelined for up to four months. This places immediate responsibility on other attacking options. Kevin Kelsy may not have the luxury of a gentle introduction to his new surroundings as a result. The full list of players currently unavailable, including Shankland, Tuur Rommens, Youssef Chermiti, and José Cifuentes, can be seen on the club's injuries page.
In defence, the partnership of Olwethu Makhanya and Emmanuel Fernandez has been a constant since James Penrice's debut. Penrice himself made an instant impact, scoring and assisting in the Premier Sports Cup, and has started every match since. While Fernandez is noted for the occasional defensive wobble, the unit has been largely solid, conceding only four league goals so far this season.
What challenge does St Mirren present?
St Mirren arrive in Glasgow in fine fettle under head coach Craig McLeish, who was named Premiership manager of the month for August. McLeish remarked that he is not surprised by his team's rapid cohesion. "I'm not surprised it's come together so quickly - I get that from the outside it might look like that," he said. The Buddies are unbeaten in four of their last six league games against Rangers, though the Gers have won the last two encounters by a single goal.
St Mirren will be without defender Paul Nsio, who is cup-tied against his parent club. Rangers dominated midfield in their cup meeting last month and will look to replicate that control. A win would be a major statement ahead of a busy period, which includes the next league fixture away to Kilmarnock on December 26th. Fans can track the full fixtures schedule online.
What is the context of the wider title race?
While Rangers focus on St Mirren, leaders Celtic face a trip to Perth to play St Johnstone. Celtic are coping with their own squad adjustments, with winger Yang Hyun-jun away on international duty. His likely replacement is Sebastian Tounekti, while striker Camilo Duran has been in prolific form. St Johnstone, aiming for a third straight home win, have yet to keep a league clean sheet this season.
The weekend brings the first Glasgow derby of the season, with Rangers hosting Celtic at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. That cup clash adds even greater significance to Wednesday's league result. For now, Rangers must concentrate on securing three points to improve their standings position and maintain pressure on the teams above them. The match at Ibrox kicks off at 19:45 BST.
