Saints v Rangers Preview

Last updated : 07 January 2008 By Stuart Gillespie
Our form in the live games since we returned to the SPL in 2006 hasn't been good. We've played in eight and managed just one win, which came at Falkirk last April. Apart from that we've lost nearly every time, including a particularly heavy defeat to Celtic in August. However, our home form has been just as bad when the cameras haven't been at Love Street, so maybe we shouldn't blame them for everything!

Saturday saw Saints start the New Year off with a vital home win that moved us up a place in the table. With the gap to Gretna now up to 12 points, taking something tomorrow night would be a bonus, rather than a necessity. It will be interesting to see how Saints boss Gus MacPherson plays it - the 3-5-2 has been working reasonably well recently and got us a point at Parkhead, while 4-4-2 got us a win over Hibs. Or could the dreaded 4-5-1 be back?

The team selection will also keep us all guessing, especially as a few players are carrying knocks after Saturday. The only thing we know is that Richard Brittain and Stephen O'Donnell are definitely out - but that's it. Andy Dorman and Craig Dargo were both on the bench on Saturday but could be handed starts, while the likes of Stephen McGinn and the suspension free Hugh Murray are also available for selection. It really is anyone's guess as to who will play.

Rangers are without Lee McCulloch and the £8million rated Alan Hutton through suspension, while a few other players are missing through injury. However, a squad the size of Rangers should be able to cope with a lot worse, so they won't have any problems fielding a good side. Top of the league and in fantastic form, it's certainly changed days since the comedy era of Paul Le Guen in 2006.

I can't see us getting anything tomorrow night and would go as far as saying that Rangers will win quite comfortably.