Rangers vs St Mirren: Key talking points ahead of the August 16 clash

Rangers return to cup action on Sunday, August 16, when they welcome St Mirren to Ibrox for a Premier Sports Cup last-16 tie. The match comes at a demanding point in the campaign, with Rangers having European commitments and several squad issues to contend with.

Rangers need a response after Hibernian defeat

Derek McInnes will expect a reaction from his players following the disappointing 2-1 home loss to Hibernian.

Rangers appeared set to rescue a point after Marvelous Chaiwa’s late equaliser, only for Chris Wright to score in stoppage time. The result highlighted some of the issues McInnes will want his team to address, particularly their slow start.

Sunday’s cup encounter gives Rangers the chance to restore confidence and get back to winning ways.

Chermiti absence creates another problem

Youssef Chermiti’s knee injury is a major concern for Rangers heading into the fixture. The striker is expected to spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL problem.

His absence leaves McInnes with fewer attacking options and increases the pressure on the club to recruit another forward before the transfer window closes.

The remaining strikers will therefore have to shoulder more responsibility against St Mirren.

Shankland and Miovski must step up

With Chermiti unavailable, the spotlight will naturally fall on Lawrence Shankland, Bojan Miovski and Rangers’ other attacking options.

Rangers need their forwards to be more clinical, particularly in matches where opponents are capable of making the game difficult. Creating chances is one thing, but converting them could ultimately determine whether the hosts reach the quarter-finals.

Could Driouech make his Rangers debut?

Couhaib Driouech’s potential arrival is another major talking point.

The Moroccan winger has been strongly linked with Rangers and has reportedly travelled for a medical ahead of completing his transfer from PSV.

If the deal is completed and the necessary registration is processed in time, Driouech could provide McInnes with another dangerous attacking outlet. His pace, dribbling and ability to operate naturally from wide areas could add an important dimension to Rangers’ attack.

Defensive depth remains a concern

Rangers are also monitoring the fitness of Tuur Rommens, who has reportedly been dealing with a groin issue.

That situation has increased the need for defensive reinforcements, with the club reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing Jayden Meghoma back after his previous loan spell.

With several players already being used at full-back, Sunday’s match could once again highlight the importance of squad depth.

Will European football force McInnes to rotate?

The timing of the game presents another challenge.

Rangers face Jagiellonia Białystok in their Europa League qualifier on Thursday, just three days before St Mirren visit Ibrox. That demanding schedule could leave McInnes with little choice but to rotate some of his players.

The manager must decide whether to field his strongest possible team or protect key players who have accumulated significant minutes.

Getting that balance right could be crucial.

St Mirren arrive with confidence

Rangers cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

St Mirren enter the fixture as the reigning Premier Sports Cup holders, giving them plenty of confidence and experience in this competition. They also progressed impressively through the group stage after victories over Dumbarton, Cove Rangers and East Kilbride.

That makes them a potentially awkward opponent, particularly if Rangers fail to impose themselves early.

Midfield control could prove decisive

The battle in the middle of the pitch is another area worth watching.

Rangers will want to dominate possession, dictate the tempo and move the ball quickly enough to disrupt St Mirren’s defensive structure.

Simply having more possession will not be enough, though. McInnes will want to see quicker passing, sharper movement and greater intensity around the opposition penalty area.

Another test of Rangers’ squad rebuild

Sunday’s match should also provide another indication of how well Rangers’ revamped squad is progressing.

The club have made numerous changes during the summer, but injuries and gaps in certain positions have already exposed concerns over squad depth.

With European football, domestic competition and the transfer window all running simultaneously, Rangers need to establish whether their current group is strong enough to cope with the demands ahead.

Quarter-final place is important

Ultimately, progression is what matters most.

Rangers have home advantage and will be expected to overcome the reigning cup holders. Reaching the quarter-finals would provide a positive response after the Hibernian setback and help maintain momentum during a busy period.

An unexpected defeat, on the other hand, would raise further questions about the squad’s strength and McInnes’ ability to manage the team’s current problems.

Main things to watch

Overall assessment

Rangers should go into the game as favourites, particularly with home advantage, but this is far from a straightforward assignment.

The Hibernian defeat, Chermiti’s injury, the Europa League schedule and ongoing recruitment issues have all added complications for McInnes. St Mirren, meanwhile, arrive with the confidence of being the competition’s reigning champions.

For Rangers, the most important factor could be how they respond to recent adversity. A strong start, greater attacking sharpness and better control of the midfield should put them in a strong position to progress. If fatigue and squad limitations become apparent, however, St Mirren have enough belief to make life difficult at Ibrox.

Opposition (st.Mirren)

Rangers have undergone a major rebuild over the summer, with Derek McInnes taking charge in June after Danny Rohl’s departure. The new manager has already brought nine players to Ibrox, including Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin, both of whom previously worked under McInnes at Hearts.

The Rangers squad has also been strengthened by the arrivals of Ivor Pandur, Ben Godfrey, Vanja Dragojevic, Olwethu Makhanya, Daisuke Yokota, Ross McCrorie and Dan Neil.

There have also been several notable exits. Long-serving captain James Tavernier ended his 11-year association with the club, while goalkeeper Jack Butland joined Hull City as part of the deal that saw Pandur move to Rangers. Oliver Antman, Danilo and Nedim Bajrami were among the other players to leave.

However, McInnes’ tenure has started with two disappointing results. Rangers suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Hibernian on Sunday, just days after losing by the same scoreline away to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying. Rangers will welcome the Polish side to Ibrox for the second leg on Thursday.

The injury situation has also worsened, with Youssef Chermiti facing an extended spell out after sustaining an ACL injury against Hibernian. Tuur Rommens, who scored Rangers’ winner in the previous meeting with St Mirren, is also expected to spend time on the sidelines.

Previous Meetings

Rangers narrowly came out on top the last time the two sides met. Rommens scored the decisive goal as the Gers recorded a 1-0 victory over St Mirren at the Marbill Coaches Stadium in March.

The most recent meeting at Ibrox also ended in a Rangers victory. The hosts won 2-1, with Thelo Aasgaard and Emmanuel Fernandez finding the net either side of half-time. Marcus Fraser missed a penalty for St Mirren before Mikael Mandron pulled one back, but the Buddies could not find an equaliser.

Earlier in the season, the sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Marbill Coaches Stadium, with Jonah Ayunga scoring for St Mirren.

St Mirren’s most recent victory at Ibrox came in February 2025. Goals from Mikael Mandron and Toyosi Olusanya secured a 2-0 win, giving the Buddies their first victory in Govan since 1991.

Referee Team

John Beaton will take charge of Sunday’s encounter, with Colin Drummond and David Dunne appointed as his assistants. Graham Grainger will serve as the fourth official.

Kevin Clancy will oversee the VAR operation.

Match: Rangers vs St Mirren
Competition: Premier Sports Cup, last 16
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Ibrox Stadium
Kick-off: 4:00pm
Broadcast: Premier Sports