They won this trophy last year, now Rangers are expected to at least make the Scottish Cup final again this time around.
Avoiding Celtic in the semi-final would help massively, but they must first take care of Raith Rovers at Ibrox. Michael Beale’s team had to work hard to beat Championship opposition in the last round after Partick Thistle took the lead. Malik Tillman’s goal to put the hosts 2-1 up was controversial, so Thistle were allowed to score from kick-off before Rangers found a winner before the end.
They’ll be hoping for a more straightforward afternoon against the Fifers. Ian Murray returns to the stadium he played at with Rovers, whose priority is still snatching a playoff place, although they have work to do in order to finish in the top five of the second tier. If they can pull off a shock in Glasgow though, then whoever avoids Ange Postecoglou’s side in the last four will fancy their chances of reaching the final with Inverness CT, Ayr United or Falkirk making up the last four ahead of Monday night’s draw.
Aside from the Viaplay Cup final defeat to their rivals a fortnight ago, Rangers’ form has been exemplary. 3-1 and 4-1 wins over Kilmarnock and Hibs this week means they remain unbeaten on league duty under Beale. Kemar Roofe’s season is over after getting a hip operation, but Beale’s team is pretty much picking itself anyway despite that Hampden misstep.
Provisional Rangers squad
Goalkeepers
Allan McGregor
Jon McLaughlin
Defenders
James Tavernier
Borna Barisic
Adam Devine
Ben Davies
Connor Goldson
John Souttar
Ridvan Yilmaz
Midfielders
Ryan Jack
Glen Kamara
Malik Tillman
Scott Arfield
Ryan Kent
Scott Wright
Fashion Sakala
Todd Cantwell
Nicolas Raskin
John Lundstram
Forwards
Alfredo Morelos
Antonio Colak
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