Fernandez To Start | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren | OneFootball

The dream of a new dawn is now a distant reality, with Rangers struggling both in the league and Europe under Russell Martin. While they have not won either of their two league games, a dreadful 3-1 defeat at Ibrox against Club Brugge has shattered their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League main draw. Martin hopes to turn things around in Belgium, but he must find a way to overcome the St Mirren test first in Paisley on Sunday lunchtime.

The Buddies suffered a late heartbreak against Celtic in the opening gameweek, followed by a stalemate with Motherwell. They knocked Hearts out of the League Cup via tiebreakers, and their growing momentum could further frustrate the Gers, as it did in the previous campaign.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren

Defence

All his good work early in the season went in vain on Tuesday night when he conceded thrice within 20 minutes of the game. He could have done better on a couple of occasions, and it remains to be seen how he reacts on the road.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Hamza Igamane of Rangers vies with Richard Taylor of St Mirren during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers FC and St. Mirren FC at Ibrox Stadium on February 22, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

James Tavernier was brought in as a late substitute against Club Brugge, but the club skipper should be restored to the starting XI for his marauding runs, crosses and set-piece expertise as a right fullback. Jayden Meghoma, on loan from Brentford, assisted Danilo on his debut. But the young left-back could make way for Max Aarons, who offers flexibility in both fullback roles. Nasser Djiga will serve a one-match suspension following his marching order in their previous Premiership tie. Manny Fernandez, who only featured once in the Cup, should get an opportunity to impress alongside John Souttar in the heart of the backline.

Midfield

Martin has yet to determine the optimal midfield combination. Neither the ‘double pivot’ nor a three-man midfield has worked in his favour, as the Bosman signing of Joe Rothwell has gone all wrong in the middle of the park. His lack of pace, intent and energy led to strong criticism from fans and pundits, and the gaffer should stick with Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Lyall Cameron for the time being.

Cameron could be deployed as an advanced playmaker, allowing Raskin and Diomande to dictate the tempo from the deep with their technicality, vision, distribution and ball-carrying attributes. Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama should occupy the wings ahead of Mikey Moore and Thelo Aasgaard. The Norwegian, in particular, must be introduced in the second half, as he is working towards rebuilding match fitness after missing the initial weeks due to injury woes.

Cyriel Dessers won’t be fit for Rangers’ trip to St Mirren. Danilo must spearhead the attack after finding the net against Club Brugge, but the Brazilian should be rotated with Hamza Igamane up top on Sunday afternoon.