Preview: Rangers vs. Kilmarnock

Rangers manager Ally McCoist will be hoping to provide the Glasgow club with a boost on Sunday when they host Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup fourth round.

The Scottish Championship outfit have been told that they require extra investment over the next 12 months, while a defeat at Hearts last weekend has left them nine points off the lead in the league standings.

McCoist will be without defender Steve Smith after he was dismissed at Tynecastle, but attacking duo Nicky Clark and Kris Boyd are pushing for a starting spot.

Kilmarnock travel to Ibrox having suffered defeat in their last four fixtures, a run of form that has seen them fall to seventh in the Scottish Premiership table.

Allan Johnston's side have also won just once on the road since August 16, so while the game in Glasgow will act as a welcome distraction, they will need to improve to get a result against the Gers.

With goals continuing to be a problem for Killie, Chris Johnston and Lee Miller may be handed responsibility in attack.

Rangers:

Form in Scottish League Cup: WWDWLW Form in all competitions: WWWWDL

Possible starting lineup: Simonsen, McGregor, Foster, Mohsni, Wallace, Macleod, Black, Law, McCulloch, Miller, Daly

Kilmarnock:

Form in Scottish Cup: WLWWLL Form in all competitions: WWLLLL

Possible starting lineup: Samson, Barbour, Pascali, Connolly, Chantler, McKenzie, Clingan, Hamill, Muirhead, Johnston, Magennis

Sports Mole says: 2-1