St Mirren vs. Rangers – News and Probable Lineups

St Mirren will face Rangers at the SMISA Stadium in the Scottish Premiership this Sunday.

The home team is currently ranked 10th in the table with 24 points from 29 matches, whereas the visitors sit in third place with 57 points from the same number of games.

Match overview

This season has been quite challenging for St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, as Stephen Robinson’s team has already been ruled out of a top-half finish for the first time since 2021-22.

The season started with promise, with the Saints suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Celtic due to a late goal from Luke McCowan on the opening day, followed by three draws and two losses in the next five matches.

However, they entered a rough patch, failing to secure a victory in their subsequent eight league encounters, with six defeats and only two draws.

December offered a slight glimmer of hope as St Mirren managed to win two and draw two league games, highlighted by a remarkable 3-1 win over Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final, marking their first trophy in 12 years.

Nevertheless, St Mirren’s luck shifted again, as they won just one of their next 12 league matches, leaving them in 10th place in the Scottish Premiership and merely three points above the relegation zone.

Despite struggles in the league, St Mirren excelled in cup competitions, having secured a spot in the Scottish FA Cup semi-final with a victory over Partick Thistle in their previous outing.

Looking to capitalize on that recent victory to enhance their chances of survival and gain momentum heading into their semi-final against Celtic on Wednesday, Robinson will hope his players can defeat Rangers for the first time since February 2025.

Rangers come into this match struggling for form, having managed just one win in their last five fixtures, alongside four draws—including a penalty shootout defeat to Celtic in the Scottish FA Cup quarter-finals.

The Gers will be eager to break this streak and establish a winning run in the upcoming post-split Scottish Premiership, currently sitting six points behind league leaders Hearts.

Despite their recent struggles, Rohl has a commendable track record in the league since taking charge in October 2025.

The German manager stepped in after Russell Martin’s tough start to the season, where Rangers managed only one win in their first eight league encounters.

However, Rohl swiftly improved Rangers’ league performance, steering the team to 14 wins, six draws, and just one loss in 21 league matches, bringing them back into the title race.

During their last encounter in December 2025, Rangers emerged victorious, but they have not won at the SMISA Stadium in their last three meetings, recording two draws and one defeat.

Team News

St Mirren will miss Malik Dijksteel and Jonah Ayunga due to injuries, while Marcus Fraser’s availability remains uncertain after he was substituted in the first half of their victory against Partick Thistle in their last game.

Richard King may step in for Fraser in defense alongside Alexander Gogic and Miguel Freckleton, while the remainder of the squad that started in last weekend’s win could stay intact.

Conversely, Rangers will lack Connor Barron, Bailey Rice, and Derek Cornelius due to injury issues.

Following their penalty loss after a goalless draw with Celtic last time out, Rohl might consider making changes for Sunday, meaning players like Djeidi Gassama and James Tavernier could feature in the starting lineup.

St Mirren probable starting XI:

George; King, Gogic, Freckleton; Richardson, Phillips, Baccus, O’Hara, John; Young, N’Lundulu

Rangers probable starting XI:

Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens; Gassama, Raskin, Diomande, Moore; Naderi, Chermiti

While Rangers have struggled at this venue in previous encounters, and currently are not at their best, they are still expected to secure a win over an underperforming St Mirren side.