St Mirren’s Franco Miranda is suspended while fellow defenders Will Haining and Jack Ross are injured.
David Barron and Stephen O’Donnell are still out, but striker Craig Dargo has recovered from a knee problem.
Rangers are encouraged by Steven Whittaker’s progress although the defender is struggling to play.
Lee McCulloch played in the reserves this week following his knee injury, but the versatile midfielder may not be rushed back for the clash in Paisley.
Match Odds St Mirren 8.5 Draw 5.0 Rangers 1.3
St Mirren: (from) Howard, McAusland, Potter, Cuthbert, Dorman, Mason, Brighton, Brady, Robb, Mehmet, Wyness, Hamilton, Smith, Murray, Gilerao, McGinn, Dargo, McCay.
Rangers: (from) Alexander, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Dailly, Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Beasley, Novo, Boyd, Miller, McGregor, Edu, Lafferty, Aaron, Fleck, Papac.
St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson:
“The confidence is there and the training has been of an excellent standard, the tempo has been good.
“But we need to keep showing that confidence when we play in a game.
“You have to be close to your best, if not at your very best, to get something against Rangers.
“It’s unfortunate that we’ve been hit in the one area in defence through injury. But, if they don’t make it, it just becomes an opportunity for guys that have been frustrated and are desperate to play.”
Rangers manager Walter Smith:
“A lot of people outside say that, because Celtic and Rangers always win, there is not much of a challenge.
“But when you are here, there is. It’s not easy playing teams four times a season.
“Even when you take a new season, the knowledge of your team is there for the opposition to make it very difficult for you.
“That’s the case with all the games with Rangers and Sunday will be no different.”
Last season: Rangers 2-0 St Mirren, Rangers 4-0 St Mirren, St Mirren 0-3 Rangers
CLUB FORM
ST MIRREN
Last five league matches: L L W D L
Top scorer: Billy Mehmet - 3
RANGERS
Last five league matches: D W W W W
Top scorers: Kenny Miller - 4
William Collum
