Rangers predicted XI vs St Mirren: Shankland replacement identified as key duo start after turning a corner

Before their Old Firm double header, next up for Rangers is St Mirren at home in the league as manager Derek McInnes seeks to continue their winning run.

Three Premiership victories in three have taken some of the early pressure off the Rangers boss’ shoulders after a disastrous start. Last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Motherwell was arguably the performance of the season despite the slender margin of victory. However, the three points came at a cost as club captain Lawrence Shankland suffered a hamstring injury as the striker now looks set for up to four months on the sidelines.

McInnes now must choose wisely in his replacement, starting with the Buddies on Wednesday night. St Mirren boss Craig McLeish has just won August’s Manager of the Month award after a strong start to the season. While the Paisley side currently sit above Rangers in the table, their last visit to Ibrox didn’t exactly go to plan as they were hammered 5-1 in the Premier Sports Cup. Here’s how we think McInnes will set his side up under the light at Ibrox tonight, using the 4-3-3 formation:

GK - Ivor Pandur

Another clean sheet for the Croatian on Saturday as he looks more and more assured every game. The number one jersey is his for the foreseeable.

RB - Dujon Sterling

Back from injury and should have a point to prove with Ross McCrorie and Kosta Nedeljkovic circling to take his place. Also Buddies winger Ismael Kabia has proved to be a real handful so far this season, so it’ll take experience to keep him quiet.

CB - Emmanuel Fernandez

His performance against the Steelmen was more like the Fernandez of last season. He looks solid, composed and perhaps most importantly, didn’t have any lapses in concentration. Needs to keep that up in the coming weeks.

CB - Olwethu Makhanya

Arguable the pick of the bunch of the summer additions so far. His physicality, pace and comfort on the ball has been a breath of fresh air to the back line.

LB - James Penrice

Only real option at left back while Tuur Rommens is out. While Penrice perhaps offers more going forward, his defensive qualities are about to go under a microscope.

CM - Dan Neil

Another who turned a corner against the Steelmen. He’d come in for some stick before that and was harshly omitted from the squad against Falkirk - but bounced back well.

CM - Nico Raskin

Now that the transfer window is over, Rangers need 110% every week from the Belgium international. All down to McInnes now to get the best out of him.

AM - Kim Min-su

A well-wide spot kick against the Well might mean he’ll be off set pieces for a while, but his quality in open can’t be sniffed at. Promising.

RW - Findlay Curtis

Three starts in a row for the Scotland international who is slowly making the right flank his own. While he’s been a solid 7/10 player every week, with no goals or assists yet, attacking output is something he’ll have to work on.

LW - Djeidi Gassama

Consistency has always been an issue, so when he’s in form you’ve got capitalise. The danger man has to play as much as possible while he’s in the mood.

ST - Ryan Naderi

While £9.5m signing Kelsy may be the eventual long term replacement for Shankland and Youssef Chermiti, the German got his goal against Motherwell and would be more physical against a giant Buddies defence.

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