Preview: St Johnstone vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

Rangers failed to capitalise on Celtic dropping points at the weekend, but they will continue to try and push to climb above the Hoops on Wednesday when they travel to play St Johnstone.

The hosts find themselves in the relegation zone right now, but a victory could place further pressure on Ross County, who they are seven points behind right now.

Match preview

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St Johnstone are continuing to fight for their survival, being seven points adrift of safety right now, which places real pressure on each fixture that they play.

The Saints are also keeping one eye over their shoulder, as Dundee could overtake them if Callum Davidson's squad fail to win, and that is something they will be well aware of.

On Saturday St Johnstone lost a crucial relegation battle against Ross County, despite the fact that Callum Hendry had given his team the lead, but a brace from Regan Charles-Cook and a goal by Joseph Hungbo saw the Staggies take all three points.

Despite that, the Saints have been showcasing better form as of late, having only lost twice in their previous seven matches, and they shall be wanting that to continue in midweek.

However, the club have the worst home record in the league this season, having only won twice at McDiarmid Park throughout the campaign, which the squad will need to improve.

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Rangers will be heading into the match frustrated after they missed the chance to put real pressure on Celtic, who dropped points on Sunday as they also ended up drawing.

The Gers had taken a two-goal lead via Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala, but they were unable to hold onto that as Motherwell fought back as Jordan Roberts and Kaiyne Woolery found the back of the net, forcing a draw.

This was a disappointing result for the defending champions, who have now drawn their previous two fixtures in the Scottish Premiership, which has allowed the Hoops to stay top of the table.

However, Rangers are undefeated in their previous seven matches across all competitions, and they will still be riding the momentum from knocking out Borussia Dortmund in the Europa Conference League.

The Gers have won both of the games against St Johnstone this season, scoring twice in each encounter, and that is something they shall be looking to extend.

Team News

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St Johnstone are dealing with a lot of injury problems right now, and will be without Shaun Rooney, David Wotherspoon, Chris Kane, Craig Bryson and Cameron MacPherson on Wednesday.

Elliot Parish also found himself in goal during the recent defeat against Ross County due to Zander Clark being unfit, and that could end up being the same situation.

Glen Kamara was brought into the Rangers starting lineup on Sunday, and he could retain his place in the team, while Sakala also got put back in, and considering he scored, the winger will also be an option.

John Lundstram found himself slotting into the back four in the draw against Motherwell, rather than playing in midfield, and that is a role that he might end up taking up again.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Parish; Cleary, Gordon, McCart; Gallacher, Butterfield, Hallberg, Sang, Crawford; Middleton, Hendry

Rangers possible starting lineup:
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Lundstram, Bassey; Arfield, Kamara, Aribo; Sakala, Kent, Morelos

We say: St Johnstone 0-2 Rangers

Rangers might have drawn their previous three matches, but they have a stronger squad and that quality should provide them with an edge to gain all three points on Wednesday.

St Johnstone are fighting for their survival in the league with each game, and they will no doubt make things tough for the Gers, but that may not be enough.

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