Glasgow Rangers return to action this Friday, with the Ibrox side looking to kick off their Scottish Cup campaign in style.
Rangers will have had almost three weeks to savour their Old Firm victory by the time they return to action on Friday, but Steven Gerrard will know that much of the momentum that they have now got will evaporate immediately if they cannot secure a comfortable win in their first game back.
The Gers travel to Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Cup. And Gerrard will have the opportunity to call upon two new signings for the game, with Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis both completing loan deals.
While Rangers will be heavy favourites for the contest, it would be no surprise if Gerrard picked a strong side for Friday’s tie. They have additional time to prepare for the following Wednesday’s crucial league game with Kilmarnock, and will want to send out a message of intent heading into the second-half of the season.
For that reason, Defoe may perhaps get the chance to start alongside Alfredo Morelos. If the pair can hit it off over the coming months, Rangers stand a superb chance of pushing Celtic all the way in the title race, so this week may be a fantastic opportunity to see how they gel.
Davis meanwhile, may be left on the bench. He has not played a lot of football for Southampton this term, and Ross McCrorie and Scott Arfield were sensational against Celtic last time out.
Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent were also instrumental in guiding the Gers to that famous win. But the pair may be rested, with Glenn Middleton getting another chance to impress in a game that could undoubtedly see the youngster steal the headlines.
The back four remains the same with Andy Halliday staying at left-back. But Wes Foderingham may get the chance to replace Allan McGregor.
However, after such a substantial break and a very important league fixture less than a week away, perhaps there is every chance that Gerrard could choose to make a significant number of changes that see one or two academy starlets get their chance.
But for now, here is what Rangers could possibly look like this Friday…
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