Rangers entertain St. Mirren at Ibrox in Boxing Day Scottish Premiership action on Sunday. The hosts are at the top of the league standings and are on an eight-game winning streak in the Scottish top-flight.
St. Mirren have dropped points in their last 10 league games, which has seen them drop to ninth in the standings, 29 points behind Rangers.
Rangers have found it easy to secure favorable wins in the Scottish Premiership and have managed to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings. They overcame Dundee United last week, recording a 1-0 win thanks to James Tavernier's 71st-minute penalty.
St. Mirren have played back-to-back draws heading into the fixture and were held to a goalless draw by Celtic in their previous outing.
Rangers vs St. Mirren Head-to-Head
There have been 37 meetings between the two sides across all competitions. As one would expect, the Rangers have been the dominant side with 30 wins to their name.
St. Mirren are winless at Sunday's venue with all three of their wins coming at home. Their last win against Rangers in league action was in 2011.
The two sides last met at St. Mirren Park in October earlier this season. The Gers recorded a 2-1 win in that fixture thanks to quickfire goals from Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos at the end of the first half.
Rangers form guide (all competitions): W-W-W-D-W
St. Mirren form guide (Scottish Premiership): D-D-L-D-L
Rangers vs St. Mirren Team News
Rangers
Kemar Roofe is a key absentee for the home side with an ankle injury and is expected back into the fold for the game against Aberdeen next month. Leon Balogun will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability for the game. Here are the rest of the absentees for The Gers:
- Ryan Jack - Undisclosed
- Nnamdi Ofoborh - Heart problems
- Filip Helander - Knee Injury
Injuries: Filip Helander, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe
Doubtful: Leon Balogun
Unavailable: Nnamdi Ofoborh
Suspension: None
St. Mirren
Eamonn Brophy remains a key absentee for the visitors with a hamstring issue and he is expected to resume training next month. Here are the rest of the absentees for the Buddies:
- Conor McCarthy - Ankle injury
There have been several COVID-19 cases among staff and players at the club. Many first-team players missed the last game due to this, but are expected to be back for the game against Rangers.
Alan Power, Jamie McGrath and Ryan Flynn are still in doubt though after missing the Celtic game.
Injuries: Conor McCarthy, Eamonn Brophy
Doubtful: Alan Power, Jamie McGrath, Ryan Flynn
Unavailable: None
Suspension: None
Rangers vs St. Mirren Predicted XI
Rangers Predicted XI (4-3-3): Allan McGregor; Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson, Calvin Bassey, James Tavernier; Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara, John Lundstram; Ianis Hagi, Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala
St Mirren Predicted XI (5-4-1): Dean Lyness; Marcus Fraser, Matthew Millar, Charles Dunne, Joseph Shaughnessy, Scott Tanser; Greg Kiltie, Dylan Reid, Jay Henderson, Kieran Offord; Curtis Main
Rangers vs St. Mirren Prediction
Rangers are in incredible form in the Scottish League and are unbeaten at home in the league this season. Their last loss at home was in September in the Europa League.
St. Mirren did well to play a draw against Celtic despite a COVID-19 ravaged squad but they are expected to struggle against the hosts.
Prediction: Rangers 2-0 St. Mirren.