Our landlord here in the Transfer Tavern has watched as Rangers’ season very closely and has witnessed them going from a side that were pushing their rivals Celtic, to a team struggling to win and struggling to keep second spot.
There was the bizarre situation that led to Mark Warburton’s exit from the club that left the punters here not even knowing if he resigned from the club or not! He’s no longer here and, since his departure, the Gers just simply haven’t been as good as they should be.
Defeats in their last two games to Dundee and Inverness, it’s a very important game this weekend against Hamilton that they kick on in the cup and at least give their fans something to cheer about this season.
Hamilton themselves have a lot play for in this quarter-final game, so Rangers will be hoping that they can ignore their league form and go all out in this cup fixture.
With that, if Murty picks this Rangers XI, they will surely beat Hamilton…
GK: JAK ALNWICK
It’s likely that the former Newcastle keeper will be featuring in this cup match and he could relish this opportunity with Foderingham not in the best of form as he tries to the lay claim for the number one spot at Ibrox.
RB: JAMES TAVERNIER
Another former Newcastle man in the Rangers ranks, Tavernier has really taken to life in Scotland and has been a vital player in their rise back to the SPFL.
He’s a full-back that loves to get forward and he can cause Hamilton all kinds of problems this weekend.
CB: DANNY WILSON
The one-time Liverpool defender has been solid at the back for Rangers since arriving from Hearts last season.
The Scotland international has had a point to prove in his second stint at Ibrox and he’s proven to be key this time around.
CB: PHILIPPE SENDEROS
The Swiss desperately needs to improve his performances to fight for his future and the Gers need a big performance in general, with Rob Kiernan likely to miss the game.
LB: LEE WALLACE
This lad stuck with Rangers all the way back to the top and even sacrificed his international career, but now they are both back on track, he looks to be playing his best football.
The captain will need to show his best leadership qualities to ensure that the Gers get through in this fixture.
CM: JON TORAL
The on-loan Arsenal midfielder hasn’t made quite the impact many at the club were hoping he would.
However, the Spanish midfielder has for sure got the quality in his locker to be able to produce and come good for the Ibrox club. He’s only at the club for a short time and he needs to show the fans he was worth the punt.
CDM: ANDY HALLIDAY
Halliday, formerly of Middlesbrough was a cog in the heart of midfield for Rangers as they claimed a spot back in the SPFL; he has however struggled to recreate that form!
Halliday has to prove his worth and prove he deserves to be in the side this weekend.
LW: BARRIE MCKAY
The highly talented Scottish winger has been tipped for big things and even linked with a move to the high-flying RB Leipzig in Germany.
However, he must be fully focused on the job in hand as his team need to get back to winning ways this weekend and try and push on the cup to having something to play for this season!
CAM: EMERSON HYNDMAN
The USA international who joined in January on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth has made a bit of an impact to the side and has proven to be an asset for the club thus far.
Still needs to keep going and keep putting in 100% for his team, each and every game from now on!
RW: JOSH WINDASS
What a signing this guy was by former gaffer Mark Warburton! Not to mention the fact they paid nothing for the former Accrington Stanley man.
Windass has been vital when he’s been fit and playing for the club. Like his father, he loves to make impact in big games and this game is big for Rangers and how much of a success this season has been for them.
ST: KENNY MILLER
You simply cannot have a Rangers side without this man at the top of it, spearheading the attack. The veteran striker just keeps getting better with age; like a fine wine.
He scores vital goals at vital times for his beloved Rangers and this game they’ll need a goal or two to progress to the semi-finals!