Naderi Should Lead The Line | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Queen’s Park In The Scottish Cup

Rangers were supposed to host Stranaer FC on Sunday afternoon in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. But the League Two minnows have been expelled from the competition for fielding an ineligible player in the previous round, thus suffering a £200,000 financial loss. Despite their defeat, Queen’s Park have now been handed a lifeline, as they will clash heads with the Gers for the second successive season.

Meanwhile, the Spiders wrote history last year, clinching an emphatic 1-0 win at Ibrox. The setback eventually led to Philippe Clement’s dismissal, and the fixture, also known as the Original Glasgow derby, promises to be another thrilling encounter. Although Queen’s Park are rock bottom in the Championship standings, the Light Blues must not be complacent, given the history of upsets and surprises in the Scottish Cup.

Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Queen’s Park

Defence

Liam Kelly has been Jack Butland’s understudy throughout the season. The latter has been majestic between the sticks, but the Scotsman deserves a nod this weekend after a clean sheet in the previous round against Annan Athletic.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Oliver Antman of Rangers celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal as Mohamed Diomande of Rangers looks on during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Kilmarnock at Ibrox Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Dujon Sterling was rested against Kilmarnock, but the versatile English defender should be restored to the starting XI, ahead of James Tavernier and Max Aarons. Emmanuel Fernandez missed the Killie game due to a knee injury, and the in-form centre-back must not be rushed, considering the availability of Nasser Djiga and John Souttar in the heart of the backline. Tuur Rommens impressed on his debut, and the Belgian left-back must be handed his first Rangers start, replacing Jayden Meghoma.

Midfield

Injuries to Connor Barron and Bailey Rice, and the departures of Kieran Dowell, Joe Rothwell and Lyall Cameron, leave Danny Rohl with Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Tochi Chukwuani as the central midfield options. Chukwuani, who joined from Sturm Graz last month, could be deployed from the base as a deep-lying playmaker. Nicolas Raskin should be rested; however, Mohamed Diomande must keep his place and partner with his former Nordsjaelland teammate as the ‘double pivot’. Thelo Aasgaard is expected to feature as a ‘number 10’, being the only designated midfield attacker.

Oliver Antman could get a nod down the right following his goal and assist as a late substitute against Killie. High-flying Mikey Moore might retain his spot on the other flank, but the gaffer must deploy Ryan Naderi upfront, handing him a full debut after his midweek cameo. While Youssef Chermiti is struggling for fitness, Bojan Miovski, Andreas Skov Olsen, Djeidi Gassama and Nedim Bajrami are likely to be involved as second-half substitutes in and around the attacking third.