Glasgow Rangers face Partick Thistle in the League Cup just days before they host Celtic at Ibrox.
Pedro Caixinha may be urging his Rangers players to remain fully focused on reaching the Scottish League Cup semi-final by beating Partick on Tuesday, but he himself may well have one eye on next weekend’s first Old Firm game of the season, and that may perhaps have an impact on his team selection for the game at Firhill.
It is difficult to know what the Gers’ lineup will look like with only one League Cup game under their belt this term, but it would hardly be a surprise if Caixinha looks to rest some of his key players, while keeping enough strength in the side to maintain their position as favourites for the contest.
The likes of Bruno Alves, Josh Windass and Kenny Miller may well stay in the team, while Eduardo Herrera, Lee Hodson, Carlos Pena and Danny Wilson may be amongst the players who have frequently been on the bench this term who are handed rare starts.
Meanwhile, we would not be entirely surprised if Caixinha decided to spring some surprises in an attempt to leave him with as strong a squad for the Celtic clash as possible.
Myles Beerman has not played for the first-team this season, but the injury to Lee Wallace, and Declan John’s fitness may perhaps tempt Caixinha to hand him a chance.
Jason Holt’s only domestic appearance this term came in this competition, so he may join Pena in the middle of the park.
But the biggest surprise that Caixinha may have up his sleeve involves summer signing Dalcio. The winger has endured a miserable time on loan at Ibrox, but may have a role to play if the Gers decide to prioritise the Old Firm clash.
With that in mind, here is the lineup we are expecting in full…
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