The new Rangers gaffer will be wanting to make an instant impact at the club. Our landlord here at the Transfer Tavern feels that he is probably delighted that his first game is against Hamilton, of whom Rangers smashed 6-0 just two weeks ago!
The Gers are near enough out the title race, in fact if results go their way Rangers’ rivals Celtic could be crowned SPFL champions this weekend.
With that the case, Rangers will want to try and obtain second spot from Aberdeen and Europa League football again and try to get the side back where they belong.
The gaffer is fairly unknown to many in the British game but comes with a decent reputation and an unknown style of football. That could spark a change in Scottish football and we could see Rangers as a real threat.
But for now they must focus on Hamilton and the job in hand, so with that in mind…If Caixinha picks this Rangers XI, Hamilton will have no chance!
GK: WES FODERINGHAM
With Jak Alnwick now at the club, Foderingham may well start to feel the pressure and that could work in his favour.
How, you ask? Well, the actual competition for the number one spot, should strike a chord in him that should push him to perform better.
If that’s not the case then Alnwick may just swoop in and steal his spot!
RB: LEE HODSON
The Northern Ireland international has been brilliant at full-back for Rangers this season and caused Celtic all kinds of issues in the last game.
He needs to put another shift in and get up and down the line quickly against Hamilton and that can cause them all kind of problems!
CB: DANNY WILSON
The one time Liverpool man has been a rock at the back since returning to Rangers last season.
He had a solid game in the Old Firm and he will need to keep that up to prevent a shock at the hands of Hamilton.
CB: CLINT HILL
Now a Rangers hero, the veteran defender will be on a high still having scored a late equaliser against Celtic.
But he does need to put that behind him now and focus on the game in question and using his experience to help the gaffer in his first game in charge.
LB: LEE WALLACE
One of the stand-out performers for Rangers this season, which saw him start for Scotland late last year against England.
He’s been hit with a few injuries this season and, when he hasn’t played, you can notice it in the Gers defence. A superb individual who’s presence at the club in times of need has been incredible.
CM: EMERSON HYNDMAN
The Bournemouth loanee has made a big impact since arriving in January.
The American midfielder has featured regularly and has been superb on the pitch, giving Rangers something completely different in the middle of the park and has an energy to succeed and do well.
He’ll have a bright future at the Cherries that’s for sure!
CM: JASON HOLT
Murty brought Holt back into the mix and he’s looked superb since doing so.
Holt, who has a wide range of experience for a young player, has shown his qualities in recent weeks and although the new boss will want to make a difference, it’s highly unlikely he’ll completely change the team in his first game that’s for sure.
RM: BARRIE MCKAY
Reportedly a wanted man, Barrie McKay has been superb this season and it has led to a number of clubs being put on alert and they could make their move this summer.
Luckily for Caixinha, he still has him for the remainder of the season and he could be a real difference maker at Ibrox and cause Hamilton all kinds of pain!
LM: JOSH WINDASS
Another standout man for Rangers this season and a great addition by former boss Mark Warburton.
The former Accrington man will be hard to keep hold of, especially if he has the aspirations his Dad did, which was to play in the English Premier League.
CF: MARTYN WAGHORN
He hasn’t had the best time of it this season, but with a new man at the helm, it gives Waghorn a chance to prove himself.
He’ll need to start banging in the goals if his side are to hope of that second place finish!
ST: KENNY MILLER
Unlike his partner in crime Waghorn, Miller has no problems finishing games off!
The veteran striker has just aged like a fine wine, as he seems to get better and better each year and simply scores when he wants… which is most weeks! A big game in this one and Hamilton won’t know what’s hit them!
