Is that overplaying things? Probably not. A quick look at the stats shows Rangers have only failed to win three home league games this season and are unbeaten at Ibrox in all domestic competitions (although their home performances in the Champions League were rather comical). This is a side that has only been beaten once in any domestic competition this season. A team that is miles clear at the top of the SPL and full of confidence after beating Celtic on Sunday. Quite frankly, I don't think it's possible to exaggerate how hard this will be.
Perhaps that's a good thing. While we needed to win at least one of the last two games against Hamilton and Kilmarnock (and failed), there is no pressure on us tomorrow. We are expected to lose - anything we take from games against Rangers and Celtic, home or away, is an absolute bonus. A defeat, providing it's not a heavy one, is not a disaster tomorrow. I would not be surprised to see a return to 4-5-1, although I would expect a rather different approach when we face them again at Hampden in a fortnight.
If the 4-5-1 does return, it will almost certainly be spearheaded by Billy Mehmet. He doesn't score many goals, but a formation like that needs a hard working striker who can hold the ball up. With the best will in the world, neither Michael Higdon nor Craig Dargo meet those descriptions, while Rory Loy isn't allowed to play. If Mehmet is indeed on his own, we need to set the midfield up in such a way that the likes of Andy Dorman and whichever out of Graham Carey and Steven Robb gets the nod can get forward whenever possible. Also, if it is 4-5-1, don't be surprised to see Garry Brady return from nowhere - although it wouldn't be a surprise to see Allan Johnston given another chance to prove he was a pointless signing.
The chances of 4-5-1 returning are heightened due to our defensive problems. Jack Ross is out and is likely to be joined by Chris Innes, meaning we only have John Potter, Lee Mair and David Barron available. The sensible move would be to pull Robb back into defence and go with a back four as we attempt to stifle Rangers and cling on for a point. In the past I've had a problem with it, but I'm not too bothered if we use it tomorrow. As well as Ross and Innes, Chris Smith and Tom Brighton are also out.
Rangers fans will probably see tomorrow's game as another small obstacle to be negotiated on their march to the title, and with good reason. They are miles clear of Celtic following their win in last weekend's Old Firm game and are in fantastic form. The aim of everyone at Ibrox now must be to have things wrapped up before the farcical SPL split kicks in. It's not that difficult to win a two horse race, but in fairness to the Gers they are on a relatively small budget compared to their rivals, so what Walter Smith has been doing is rather remarkable.
This is the sort of game Kris Boyd laps up. Although he may struggle against Celtic and in the Champions League, he thrives on games against the clubs in the bottom half of the table. Strike partner Kenny Miller may be a bit of a joke figure these days but he's also scoring plenty - and he once got five in a game against us at Ibrox many, many years ago. Still, if we want a laugh, Kyle Lafferty is usually good fun when he isn't diving about - although knowing our luck he'll score against us. Mind you, midfielder Steve Davis is by far the most likely Northern Irishman to find the scoresheet tomorrow.
Rangers may be good up front, but they're also strong in defence. Allan MacGregor is coping rather well with all the off-field attention and looks set to return to the Scotland squad in the near future. Davie Weir may also do that soon, although at his age it's unlikely. Still, he's doing a job for Rangers, as is the World Cup bound Madjid Bougherra. Sasa Papac is doing a good job on the left hand side of defence, while whichever out of Stephen Whittaker and former Saint Kirk Broadfoot starts on the right will have to be watched for their forward runs.
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