Danny Rohr has done an incredible job as Rangers manager, bringing them back into the title race. The 49ers will bolster him with quality additions this month. But the focus must be on Friday night’s Scottish Cup tie as the current side are more than capable of beating League Two lowly Annan Athletic.
The Gers also played against Garababank during Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s reign four years ago. They won 3-0 in regulation thanks to first-half goals from Filip Helander, Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala in Garabank. The Glasgow giants remain favorites in their own backyard but they must not become complacent, especially after last year’s humiliating defeat at Queen’s Park.
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Expected lineup for Rangers against Athletic Annan is 4-2-3-1
defense
Rohr should make some changes to the squad for the Aberdeen game, with Liam Kelly expected to get a rare start in place of Jack Butland.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 6: Rangers head coach Danny Rohr and Rangers’ Bojan Miowski are seen throughout the match during the William Hill Premier League match between Rangers and Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on January 6, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian McNichol/Getty Images)
Nasser Djiga returns from the African Cup of Nations and the on-loan Wolves centre-back could take up a place in the center of the defence, alongside Emmanuel Fernandez. With Dujon Sterling and Derek Cornelius remaining sidelined with respective injuries, the manager should protect John Souttar, who recently returned from several weeks with a muscle strain. James Tavernier should rest Max Aarons on the right, but the left-back spot currently belongs to Jayden Meghoma, although Rangers are closing in on Tuur Rommens. If the Belgian registers before the cup, he could be involved at some point.
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midfield
January recruit Tochi Chukwuani should make his debut as a backcourt playmaker. With Connor Barron and Bailey Rice out through injury and Kieran Dowell not in the manager’s plans, Mohamed Diomande is likely to feature alongside the Danish youngster, having previously played together at North Zealand.
Oliver Antman, also a teammate of Diomande and Chukwani, could regain his starting spot on the right wing. He was an unused substitute against the Dons but should impress after a difficult start since joining from the Go-Go Eagles in the summer. Findlay Curtis deserves a spot on the left side as he has been sharp and consistent in his limited appearances. Nicolas Raskin, Cero Asgard, Jeddy Gassama and Mickey Moore will only be deployed when needed, while Rabbi Matondo and Danilo are likely to be protected after being transferred to the transfer list. The club will consider a loan move for Lyle Cameron, but the young Scot is likely to reintegrate into the squad as a senior playmaker regardless of his potential exit later in the transfer window.
attack
Youssef Cermiti has been the ‘number 9′ in recent games, but Bojan Miovski could spearhead the Light Blues’ attack in the upcoming games.