After two bitterly disappointing games against Celtic, Rangers’ attention must turn to St. Mirren away this weekend.
Rangers have nine games to make up six points on Hearts if they are to win the Scottish Premiership title.
This weekend’s game against St Mirren will be an extremely difficult test, whether they are with or without Stephen Robinson in the dugout.
Robinson has been approached by Aberdeen to discuss becoming their next manager.
Nevertheless, despite St Mirren sitting 10th in the Premiership, this season they have proved to answer the challenge of a tougher assignment.
Manager Danny Rohl will have his own scouting report for the fixture, but these are the key threats we believe Rangers must neutralise in Paisley.
A giant killing team
Rangers cannot afford to overlook the Buddies’ knack for big-game performances.
Robinson’s side has proved to be a tough test in recent outings for the Gers.
In the last meeting in December, Rangers scraped a 2-1 victory against the Buddies, for their first victory in three meetings.
The previous two encounters before the December victory finished in 1-1 and 2-2 draws, showing they can pick up points against the Glasgow giants.
Rangers’ momentum has been crushed in the previous two weekends, but the same can’t be said for St Mirren.
They beat Partick Thistle 2-1 in the Scottish Cup quarter-final to set up a date in the semis.
Though 10th, Rohl’s men must take St Mirren extremely seriously on Sunday.
Mikael Mandron’s physical threat
Whichever centre-back pairing Rangers go with, Mikael Mandron will be a physical threat for any defender.
Mandron currently leads St Mirren in the scoring column, producing 11 goals so far this season.
In St Mirren’s loss to Rangers in December, Mandron scored the Buddies’ only goal of the game, showcasing his ability to score against the Gers.
The French striker is tall, powerful, and can win many headers from crosses if the Gers don’t nullify the wide threat.
Whoever is in charge on the weekend, Mandron will still be a threat, whether they try to play through the lines or direct.
A former Rangers threat
Rangers will face a familiar face on Sunday, with Declan John plying his trade for St Mirren.
John has come on leaps and bounds since he left Ibrox, becoming one of the Premiership’s most lethal threats.
John currently ranks second in the Scottish Premiership for chances created, producing 14 this season.
His delivery from the left, either from open play or set pieces, is a cause of great concern for the Rangers’ backline.
The Welshman’s delicious delivery has been the source of goals for Mandron and Jonah Ayunga.
If the Gers are to be successful this weekend, their primary defensive focus must be on the former Rangers man.
