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

Rangers shall be aiming to maintain their lead of the Scottish Premiership on Sunday when they travel to the SMiSA Stadium to face St Mirren.

The hosts will provide a stern test, though, as they head into this game on the back of a six-match undefeated streak, winning their previous three fixtures.

Match preview

Jim Goodwin has got the best out of his squad in recent weeks, which helped the club climb to seventh in the league, with a victory potentially taking them as high as fourth this weekend.

St Mirren have not lost a game since they suffered a 6-0 defeat against Celtic in August, with a trio of draws being followed up by three consecutive wins.

It has been an impressive period, especially from a defensive point of view as the squad have kept three clean sheets across those games, which they will hope to repeat on Sunday.

However, they had to showcase their attacking skills at the weekend in order to defeat Ross County as the Staggies scored twice in the Scottish Premiership fixture.

Goodwin's team actually took a three-goal lead in the first half with Eamonn Brophy, Marcus Fraser and Scott Tanser all getting themselves on the scoresheet.

The second half saw Ross County get back into the game with two goals and that is something the club will certainly be wary of as they prepare to face Rangers.

Steven Gerrard's men were dealt a late heartbreak during their most recent Scottish Premiership game when they conceded a 90th-minute equaliser against Hearts.

Craig Halkett's late goal ruled out John Lundstram's from the first half, meaning they shared the spoils as the Jam Tarts continued to be the only undefeated team in the league.

However, the draw kept Rangers on top of the table as they continue to lead the division heading into this weekend in their attempt to retain the Scottish Premiership.

The Gers were in action during midweek when they competed against Brondby in the Europa League and Gerrard's squad were able to secure a 2-0 victory with goals from Leon Balogun and Kemar Roofe.

With plenty of momentum behind each team, Sunday is set to be a difficult test for both who will each be aiming to keep their respective runs going.

St Mirren Scottish Premiership form:

• D
• D
• D
• W
• W
• W

St Mirren form (all competitions):

• D
• D
• D
• W
• W
• W

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

• W
• D
• W
• W
• W
• D

Rangers form (all competitions):

• W
• W
• L
• W
• D
• W

Team News

Greg Kiltie remains the only long-term injury for St Mirren, as he is out of action with a knee injury, which is something that Goodwin has adapted to throughout the season.

Brophy continues to be an attacking threat for the club at the moment and he will lead the line, but considering the impressive form that the Saints have been enjoying, it is unlikely there will be too many changes.

The midweek European fixture came too soon for Ryan Kent and it is unclear whether or not he will be available on Sunday; however, Ryan Jack will not be ready for this game, with Gerrard earmarking the Aberdeen fixture for his return.

An unchanged XI from the recent 2-0 victory could end up being named, with the Gers looking to keep themselves on top of the league at the end of the weekend.

St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Alnwick; Fraser, McCarthy, Shaughnessy, Tanser, Erhahon, Power, Millar; Ronan, McGrath, Brophy!-- TN -->

Rangers possible starting lineup:
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic; Aribo, Lundstram, Davis; Hagi, Roofe, Morelos

We say: St Mirren 1-2 Rangers

This fixture will provide a tough test for both teams, who are in good form at the moment, with St Mirren likely hoping to push up the league table with another victory.

However, with other clubs putting significant pressure on Rangers at the top of the division, Gerrard's men should have enough quality to just edge this match.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data

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