Under Danny Rohl, the statistics tell a story of a team that should be coasting toward a title, but Rangers aren’t.
The Gers play with a high-intensity pressing that can suffocate every team in the Scottish Premiership.
However, the league table reflects a frustrating trend of moral victories rather than three points.
Following a heartbreaking Scottish Cup exit to Celtic, the Ibrox faithful are tired of hearing about “process.” We need results.
The Gers face a St Mirren side amid managerial upheaval following Stephen Robinson’s departure.
With nine games remaining, there is no margin for error in Rohl’s tactical blueprint as every game is a cup final.
To ensure Rangers walk away from Sunday with a victory, Rohl must ensure these three things happen tactically.
Move Mikey Moore to the “Number 10” Role
After starting with 4-2-2-2 last week against Celtic, Rohl must change to a 4-2-3-1 so Mikey Moore can play in the 10 position.
Moore has been terrific on the flank for the Gers, but in a low block against St Mirren, he must play inside.
Moore possesses the elite trickery and agility to turn in tight spaces and thread the needle with passes.
Rohl needs a player who can bridge the gap between midfield and attack, and Moore has all the attributes to do so effectively.
Playing Moore in a more central role could give Djeidi Gassama the chance to play on the left and exploit the St Mirren backline with his pace.
A key connector has been missing for Rohl in recent weeks, and Moore is certainly the number one option to play in the pocket.
Start Youssef Chermiti Over Ryan Naderi
Ryan Naderi has been a loyal servant to Rohl’s high pressing system, but his clinical edge in front of goal has been non-existent.
Naderi has failed to score in the Premiership in five games, making no significant dent in opposition defences.
Against a St Mirren side that will likely sit deep and invite pressure, Rangers need a physical presence who can thrive on scraps.
Youssef Chermiti offers exactly that.
If Rohl is to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Gers need a solo striker who can win aerial duels and gamble on second balls.
Chermiti’s first goal in the first Old Firm match a couple of weeks ago sums that up perfectly.
The target man has scored nine goals in 12 league starts this season, including a hat-trick against Hearts.
Sunday is the perfect opportunity to let Chermiti lead the line and show his capabilities as a lone striker.
Deploy Nasser Djiga to Neutralise the Counter
It’s imperative that Rohl sticks with the same back two as last weekend against Celtic.
Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez were solid as a rock in the Scottish Cup, allowing Celtic one shot at goal in 120 minutes.
Against a managerless St Mirren, Rohl’s men will need to press ruthlessly, with both fullbacks high up the pitch.
The only way the Buddies can exploit Rangers is on the counterattack, meaning Rohl needs two fast centre-backs who can cover ground rapidly.
John Souttar was an option to start alongside Fernandez, but to nullify the counter-risk, Djiga must start against St Mirren.
The Djiga and Fernandez pairing provides defensive insurance, emboldening our creative players to take more risks.
If Rangers are to treat these “nine finals” seriously, the clinical overhaul must start in Paisley.
