The darkness deepened at Ibrox when Rangers got eliminated from the Europa League on Thursday night. Derek McInnes has yet to win a game as the Light Blues boss, and a defeat against the reigning champions St Mirren on Sunday evening would draw a premature end to their Scottish League Cup run.
Rangers have dominated this fixture last season, as they clinched back-to-back wins after a 1-1 draw early into the campaign. However, the Buddies claimed a commanding 2-0 win at Ibrox back in February 2025, and have given the Gers a run for their money regardless of the result.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren
Defence
Ivor Pandur has been the preferred choice between the sticks since joining from Hull City earlier this summer. But the gaffer should rotate the Croatian with Liam Kelly in the Cup ties, as the veteran Scotsman continues to be second fiddle despite penning a contract extension.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 13: Rodrigo Conceição of Jagiellonia Białystok vies with Thelo Aasgaard of Rangers during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 third qualifying round second leg match between Rangers FC and Jagiellonia Białystok at Ibrox Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
McInnes has yet to settle on his best lineup and formation, and has therefore switched to a ‘back three’ in recent outings. Injuries to Ben Godfrey and Tuur Rommens have decimated their options, forcing the Scotsman to opt for Dujon Sterling, Olwethu Makhanya and Emmanuel Fernandez in his three-man defence. But he should revert to a four-man backline, with Ross McCrorie featuring from the right and Sterling shifted to the left, exhibiting his flexibility across the defensive third.
A midfield overload has not helped, as the Light Blues have lost their fluidity in transitions and grip on the overall game. A traditional ‘double pivot’ would bring stability in the centre of the pitch, and McInnes must stick with Nicolas Raskin as long as he is available in the wake of his impending summer exit. Cammy Devlin should get the nod over Tochi Chukwuani, Dan Neil and Vanja Dragojević for his work rate, aggression and energy.
Rangers lack depth and quality down the flanks, but the summer recruit Daisuke Yokota has made his presence known with his timely trackbacks and swift attacking moves. The Japanese wideman must retain his place, and McInnes must rely more on Findlay Curtis, who has impressed in limited minutes down the left. Thelo Aasgaard, more effective as an outright ‘number 10’, should showcase his creative spark, occupying the space between the central midfield and the main striker.
Attack
Lawrence Shankland netted his first Rangers goal when he converted from the spot against Jagiellonia Białystok. With Youssef Chermiti potentially ruled out for the majority of the season, the Scottish hitman must step up his game while spearheading the attack. Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski could also be brought on from the bench to provide more directness and firepower up top.