The Scottish Cup has thrown up a narrative-heavy clash as Rangers prepare to host Queen’s Park in a match that carries far more weight than a typical “David vs. Goliath” encounter. Following a bizarre twist that saw the Spiders reinstated to the competition, the Light Blues find themselves face-to-face with the side that embarrassed them at Ibrox just last season.
For Rangers, this isn’t just a cup tie; it’s an opportunity to exercise the demons of last year’s shock defeat and ensure there is no repeat of the “Spiders’ Sting” in Govan.
Tactical Focus: The 4-2-3-1 Blueprint
Danny Röhl is under immense pressure to maintain the momentum from the midweek rout of Kilmarnock. Analysts expect the German tactician to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation—a system designed to provide the defensive security needed to prevent Queen’s Park’s counter-attacks while unleashing Rangers’ creative spark in the final third.
Key to this system will be the engine room. Nico Raskin is expected to anchor the midfield, providing the platform for the likes of Ryan Naderi to lead the line. Naderi, increasingly seen as a vital focal point for the attack, will be tasked with exploiting a Queen’s Park defense that will likely sit deep and look to frustrate the Ibrox crowd.
Avoiding the “Rocky Road”
The history of this fixture suggests that Rangers cannot afford even a second of complacency. Queen’s Park, currently battling in the lower tiers, historically consider themselves the “original” Glasgow giants, and their victory last year proved they can thrive under the Ibrox lights.
“In knockout football, individual talent is nothing without coordination. We know what happened last year, and we must respect the challenge Queen’s Park brings.” — The Ibrox coaching staff’s message ahead of kick-off.
With a congested fixture list ahead, Röhl may be tempted to rotate, but the scars of last season’s expulsion-fueled rematch mean a strong lineup is almost a certainty. Fans will be watching closely to see if the “New Rangers” have the mental fortitude to avoid another Scottish Cup disaster.
Match Prediction: Rangers to exert dominance early, but expect Queen’s Park to remain stubborn for the first 45 minutes.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
