Top of the table Rangers face Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday as they look to stretch their lead over rivals Celtic to seven points at this early stage of the season.

Our writers Joshua Barrie, Jonny McFarlane and Derek Clark give their verdicts on who Steven Gerrard might go with as his starting XI.

Joshua Barrie

Rangers haven’t hit their level in either trip to Tayside so far this season, totalling three points from six. Dens Park will prove a similarly difficult venue despite Dundee’s tricky spell reacclimatising to Scotland’s top tier. Allan McGregor will replace Jon McLaughlin as is customary in the league, behind a back four of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun and Borna Barisic. That is at present the best back four Rangers have available. Moving into the midfield, Steven Davis will resume his place and likely feel the benefit of a rest in midweek. Glen Kamara will return to Dens for the first time as a Rangers player next to the Northern Irishman with Joe Aribo completing the midfield selection. Fashion Sakala, Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi would offer a real blend of threats. Sakala can stretch teams with his pace, Roofe will pick up intelligent areas and Hagi can provide the final pass in and around the penalty box.

Predicted line-up: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic, Davis, Kamara, Aribo, Hagi, Roofe, Sakala

READ MORE: John Lundstram and Ianis Hagi earn Rangers rave reviews and delight over Glen Kamara deal - Gary McAllister's points from the presser

Jonny McFarlane

The green shoots are tentative but they are undoubtedly there. While Rangers haven't yet put together a complete 90 minutes so far this season, for the second game on the bounce they were very impressive for 45. Ianis Hagi is certain to start at Dens Park after his energy and precision jolted a passive team back to life in the 2-0 win over Livingston. You'd have to expect the established full-backs Barisic and Tavernier will return to the flanks despite impressive showings by their fledgling competitors in the cup quarter-final. Steven Davis will also take his place in the engine room after a well-earned break. Fashion Sakala has been pushing for a starting slot up front but Steven Gerrard may well plump for the more established duo of Roofe and Morelos - but if they want to remain first picks, there's a real pressure to deliver with the Zambian waiting on tenterhooks to usurp them.

Predicted line-up: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic, Davis, Kamara, Aribo, Hagi, Roofe, Morelos

Derek Clark

After his game-changing performance on Wednesday night, you would fully expect Ianis Hagi to start at Dens Park.

In goals, Allan McGregor should return and the back four will consist of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun and Borna Barisic.

John Lundstram's display against Livingston should earn him a start in place alongside Glen Kamara and the returning Steven Davis while the front three will likely see Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos playing alongside Hagi.

Predicted line-up: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic, Davis, Kamara, Lundstram, Hagi, Roofe, Morelos