As Rangers fans, we all know the start of the 2024/25 season has been anything but smooth. With challenges both on and off the pitch, it’s crucial that the team makes a strong statement this weekend as we take on St Johnstone in the League Cup last-16. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, this is more than just a cup tie—it’s an opportunity to reignite the spirit of the team and the fans alike.
Kick-Off Details: Where and When?
The clash against St Johnstone is set for tomorrow, Saturday, August 17, with kick-off at 5.45pm. The iconic Hampden Park in Glasgow will be the battleground for this crucial fixture.
For those of us not making the trip, the match will be live on Premier Sports 1, ensuring we can all cheer on the Gers from home. Subscribers can also stream the action via Premier Player online.
Time to Field Our Strongest XI
Let’s face it, the start of this season hasn’t exactly been the dream we all hoped for. From disappointing results on the pitch to a slew of off-pitch issues—including a lack of transfers, no CEO or Head of Youth Development, and the looming reality of no away fans at upcoming Old Firm matches—there’s been plenty to worry about. And that’s before we even mention the heartbreak of exiting the Champions League qualifiers at the hands of Dynamo Kyiv, and the poor refereeing decisions that left us feeling robbed.
But tomorrow’s match is a chance to start turning things around. The call from the fans is clear: it’s time to play our strongest team from the get-go. No more holding back or tinkering with the lineup. We need a performance that will lift the spirits in the stands and remind everyone why we’re Rangers.
GK: Jack Butland
RB: James Tavernier
CB: John Souttar
CB: Robin Propper
LB: Robbie Fraser
CM: Dujon Sterling
CM: Connor Barron
AM: Mohamed Diomande
RW: Vaclav Cerny
LW: Jefte
FW: Cyriel Dessers
Robbie Fraser: The Time is Now
One of the biggest talking points heading into this match is the left-back position. With Ridvan Yilmaz out for up to six weeks following his injury against Dynamo Kyiv, this is the perfect opportunity for Robbie Fraser to step up. The young talent has been praised by the manager and impressed during his limited appearances last season and in pre-season. The time has come to give him a proper chance to show what he can do.
While Jefte has filled in at left-back before, he’s shown his best form further up the pitch. Given the other injuries and some shaky defensive moments, it’s clear we need Jefte on the left wing, where he can be more effective. This opens the door wide for Fraser to make his mark on the team.
A Tactical Shift: Drop Lawrence, Push Diomande Forward
One of the constants in our midfield has been Tom Lawrence. But with all due respect to his efforts, tomorrow’s game calls for a different approach. We’d like to see Diomande pushed further up into the number 10 role, where his creativity can really shine.
To balance the midfield, Dujon Sterling should come into the center to partner with Connor Barron. This shift could provide the dynamism and stability we’ve been lacking in recent matches, offering a solid foundation for our attacking players to thrive.
A Must-Win Match
In a season that’s already been marred by setbacks, tomorrow’s match is more than just a League Cup tie—it’s a chance for Rangers to regroup, refocus, and give us something to cheer about. The fans have been through a lot lately, and a strong performance at Hampden would go a long way in restoring some much-needed optimism.
So let’s go out there, put our best foot forward, and show everyone what it means to wear the blue jersey. A convincing win won’t solve all our problems, but it’s the first step towards getting our season back on track.
Mon the Gers!