Rangers’ new era will begin at Kilmarnock this evening as Ibrox hero Barry Ferguson takes charge for the first time at Rugby Park.
The dismal 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren on Saturday ended up being the final nail in the coffin for Belgian boss Philippe Clement, with ex-Rangers captain and legend Ferguson stepping in to the Ibrox hotseat just 24 hours later on a deal until the end of the season.
Out of the Scottish Cup, and 16 points behind league leaders Celtic, the former skipper will be tasked with restoring pride to Rangers after a tough domestic season for the Glasgow giants. A difficult trip to Kilmarnock first up is no easy task though, with the Gers already suffering defeat at Rugby Park earlier in the campaign.
There’s plenty of intrigue ahead of the game, with supporters debating how Ferguson is likely to set his side up. Will he continue with Clement’s tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation? Or will he switch it up and go more attacking? Which players could be culled after numerous poor displays, and who will be given a reprieve?
Here’s how The Scotsman predict Rangers will line up against Kilmarnock this evening.
9. RW: Vaclav Cerny
Seems unthinkable that Rangers most potent attacker will be left out. The Czech winger will look to get the Ferguson reign off to a winning start at Kilmarnock tonight. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. LW: Nedim Bajrami
Has played in numerous different roles since his arrival, but could be a surprise starter on the left tonight as interim boss Ferguson look for a remedy to an attack that has failed to score in two of their last three games. | PA Photo: PA
11. CF: Hamza Igamane
Punted out to the left under ex-boss Philippe Clement, the Moroccan surely comes back into the central striking role at Rugby Park, with Cyriel Dessers likely to drop back to the bench. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images