Preview: Rangers vs. Queen of the South - prediction, team news, lineups

The Scottish League One side will head into the game as underdogs, and on the back of a defeat in their most recent outing.

Match preview

Last season Rangers managed to reach the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup where they were knocked out by Hibernian, and this time around the Gers will be looking to go one step further.

Their campaign begins on Tuesday, and they are heading into this one with a lot of confidence as the team are undefeated in seven games across all competitions.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst saw his team defeat Ross County by four goals to nil on Saturday with goals from John Lundstrum, Steve Davis, and a brace from Antonio Colak.

The Gers are currently top of the Scottish Premiership, and the performances that they have shown have helped to build confidence in the squad.

Rangers have only conceded three goals in the league so far while also scoring 14 times, bringing quality at both ends of the field as they prepare for this match.

Queen of the South will be coming into this game as the obvious underdogs due to the fact they are a Scottish League One team, but that will not stop them from trying to cause an upset.

The squad won three of their four group games, but that was not enough to win it, as they only qualified because they were one of the best runners-up.

Improvements will now be needed in order to try and pull off a surprise against the Gers, particularly when their recent form is taken into account.

Willie Gibson's men were defeated 3-1 at the weekend when they competed against Falkirk, even though Ruari Paton was able to get himself on the scoresheet with a penalty.

Queen of the South also ended up with 10 men to make matters worse as Paul McKay ended up being sent off, showcasing the need for more composure in midweek.

Rangers form (all competitions):

Queen of the South Scottish League Cup form:

Queen of the South form (all competitions):

Team News

Rangers have been dealing with a whole host of injuries right now with Ben Davies, John Souttar and Filip Helander all sidelined with injuries, causing problems for the squad when it comes to defensive options.

Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi are also unavailable at the moment, showcasing that there have also been problems for Van Bronckhorst when it comes to his attacking options.

Alfredo Morelos was left out of the squad once again on Saturday, but this cup game could provide an opportunity for him to get into the team and get some minutes.

For Queen of the South, there will no doubt be the strongest starting lineup as possible in order to give them the best chance possible to get through.

Paton's attacking qualities will end up being important for the visitors, and Gavin Reilly should be the person to accompany him.

Rangers possible starting lineup:

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Sands, Barisic; Lawrence, Arfield, Wright, Kent, Tillman; Morelos

Queen of the South possible starting lineup:

Currie; McKenna, Morrison, D.McKay, East; Murray, Todd, McGrory, McKechnie; Reilly, Paton

We say: Rangers 4-0 Queen of the South

Playing at home will be a big advantage for Rangers in this particular cup game, being able to guarantee the atmosphere will not get on top of them as it could have done if things were the other way around.

The Gers have the stronger squad out of the two teams, and having those extra options should allow them to earn passage into the next round.

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