Rangers welcome St Mirren to Ibrox this afternoon
Rangers return to Ibrox this afternoon with the pressure firmly on Derek McInnes as they face St Mirren in the second round of the Premier Sports Cup.
The Rangers boss is still searching for his first victory of the campaign after a difficult opening to his reign, while Thursday night’s Europa League exit to Jagiellonia Bialystok has only increased the scrutiny surrounding the team.
With silverware now the immediate target, Rangers cannot afford another disappointing afternoon in front of their own supporters.
St Mirren, meanwhile, arrive in Glasgow as the holders and will have plenty of confidence after making an impressive start to their domestic campaign. The Saints topped their League Cup group with victories over Dumbarton, Cove Rangers and East Kilbride before being handed a challenging last-16 tie at Ibrox.
Their manager Craig McLeish has insisted there is never a good time to face Rangers away from home, but his side will believe they have nothing to fear given the hosts’ recent struggles.
Here is everything you need to know.
Kick-off time
Rangers v St Mirren takes place on Sunday, August 16, at Ibrox, Glasgow.
Kick-off is at 4pm BST.
TV details
The match will be shown live in the UK on Premier Sports 1.
It is also available to stream through the Premier Sports Player. BBC Radio Scotland Extra is providing radio coverage.
Rangers team news
Rangers remain without Youssef Chermiti, who suffered an ACL injury and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Tuur Rommens is also out with his injury, leaving McInnes with a problem at left-back.
New signing James Penrice has joined on loan from AEK Athens and could make his debut against St Mirren. The former Hearts defender has arrived specifically to strengthen an area hit by Rommens’ absence.
McInnes is expected to make use of his squad after a demanding European schedule, but with Rangers needing a result, the manager has indicated the depth available to him could allow for changes without significantly weakening the team.
St Mirren team news
St Mirren head into the game in confident mood as they begin their defence of the Premier Sports Cup. They progressed from Group C with a perfect record, beating Dumbarton, Cove Rangers and East Kilbride.
One confirmed absence is Paul Nsio, who is unavailable because of his loan situation from Rangers. McLeish has otherwise spoken positively about the depth and balance of his squad and is likely to trust the group that has made such a strong start to the campaign.
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