Rangers have the opportunity to close the gap, albeit momentarily, when they travel to Paisley on Saturday lunchtime.

Fifth-placed St Mirren will be hoping to derail the Ibrox club who currently sit five points off the Premiership summit with one game in hand on Celtic.

The good news is that Nico Raskin and Todd Cantwell who were replaced at half time in the win over Hibs on Wednesday, are both available for selection. With that in mind, just who will start against the Buddies?

Our writers select their Rangers starting XIs.

Derek Clark

Unfortunately, Mohamed Diomande hasn't been signed in time to feature but Philippe Clement still has some decent options to choose from.

The returning Connor Goldson is a boost although John Souttar and Leon Balogun were resolute at Easter Road in midweek. One has to drop out and it's likely Souttar will make way given the harmony Goldson and Balogun possess.

In midfield, Dujon Sterling was as impressive as ever when he came on for Nico Raskin against Hibs. He offers Rangers more than the Belgian currently and he deserves to get the nod to start alongside the in-form John Lundstram.

In the forward areas, as much as Fabio Silva showed quality in flashes in the previous game, Cyriel Dessers' instant impact shows he is a man in form and should start with the Wolves loanee an option from the bench. 

Todd Cantwell's groin injury isn't enough to keep him out so he should retain his place and let's hope he produces another moment of magic like we witnessed in Leith.

Predicted line-up: Butland, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Lundstram, Sterling, Cantwell, McCausland, Matondo, Dessers.

Rangers Review: READ MORE: How Rangers signed Mohamed Diomande: Clement sanction, weather delay, new direction

Chris Jack

Most of the side will, as it has done for a while now, pick itself for Philippe Clement. His squad is healthier in terms of numbers but few of those that have returned in recent times are pushing for a start at present. Changes will, therefore, be kept to a minimum for the tricky trip to Paisley on Saturday. 

Connor Goldson has to return after suspension. Losing his place will be harsh on John Souttar but the pairing between Goldson and Leon Balogun has been impressive and is the first choice right now. The keeper and the full-backs won’t change from midweek.

Clement won’t be able to select new recruit Mohamed Diomande this time out but he does have a midfield call to make. Dujon Sterling had another eye-catching outing at Easter Road and was a better performer during his half than Nicolas Raskin was. He could get the nod to partner John Lundstram as a result.

Cyriel Dessers made the most of his chance off the bench and is pushing for a start. But Rangers need to see more of Fabio Silva and this fixture offers him a chance to get off and running in terms of goals after a solid showing on his first Premiership start. Both strikers will have a part to play regardless of who Clement opts to hand the spot to and the supporting cast of Ross McCausland, Todd Cantwell and Rabbi Matondo should give Rangers enough firepower to record another league win.

Predicted line-up: Butland, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Yilmaz, Lundstram, Sterling, Cantwell, McCausland, Matondo, Silva.

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