Preview: Rangers vs. Partick Thistle - prediction, team news, lineups

Rangers will be attempting to extend their unbeaten record under Michael Beale when they play host to Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.

At a time when the Glasgow giants sit in second position in the top flight, the visitors to Ibrox occupy fourth place in the second tier.

Match preview

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As starts go in the biggest job of your career, Beale can have few complaints, the only occasion that Rangers have not won in 12 matches since his arrival being a 2-2 draw with Celtic at the turn of the year.

However, that is not to say that Rangers have always been perfect, as shown last time out as they were made to battle for three points against Ross County.

Heading into the final quarter, their struggling opponents were on level terms, but a 75th-minute goal from Borna Barisic earned Rangers a 2-1 success.

That effort was required to keep Rangers within nine points of Celtic, although chasing down their rivals already feels like an impossible task.

In their first tie of this competition, Rangers progressed past St Johnstone by a 1-0 scoreline, again reliant on a rare strike from Barisic.

Meanwhile, Partick have reached this stage with victories over Kelty Hearts and Dunfirmline Athletic, the triumph over the latter coming courtesy of a penalty shootout.

Since then, though, Thistle have suffered consecutive 1-0 defeats at home in the Scottish Championship to Hamilton Academical and Cove Rangers.

As a result, Ian McCall's side now sit six points adrift of the top three, while also only being two points ahead of seventh spot in what is proving to be a hotly-contested promotion race.

These two teams have not met in any competition for almost five years to the day, Rangers prevailing 2-0 in a league fixture back in February 2018.

Team News

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John Lundstram will play no part for Rangers due to the ankle injury that he sustained last weekend, with Glen Kamara in line to take his spot in midfield.

Malik Tillman should return to the side, potentially in place of Fashion Sakala, while Antonio Colak will hope for a run out down the middle of the attack.

Ianis Hagi may have to remain patient for his first start of the campaign after a long-term injury, but James Sands could return to the back four.

Despite the disappointment of losing to Cove Rangers, McCall may keep changes to his Partick side down to a minimum.

Cole McKinnon is in contention for a recall in central midfield, potentially in place of Lee Hodson, while Scott Tiffoney may also return to the team.

Rangers possible starting lineup:

McLaughlin; Tavernier, Sands, Davies, Barisic; Jack, Kamara; Cantwell, Tillman, Kent; Colak

Partick Thistle possible starting lineup:

Sneddon; McMillan, McAvoy, Holt, Milne; Bannigan, McKinnon; Lawless, Turner, Fitzpatrick; Mullen

We say: Rangers 3-0 Partick Thistle

With no European football to look forward to next week, Rangers are free to prioritise progress in this competition. Although a number of changes may be made by Beale, the home side should have enough quality in their ranks to cruise to victory over their second-tier opponents.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.