Dunfermline travel to Ibrox on Friday evening in the Premier Sports Cup – three days on from Rangers’ defeat to Malmo.

The club’s exit from the Champions League, following a first league defeat in 18 months on Saturday at Tannadice, makes the match a far bigger occasion than previously considered.

Cup competitions have proved the downfall of Steven Gerrard’s Rangers tenure to date. Winning at least one of the two on offer this season, therefore, is of huge significance.

While the match will likely follow a typical pattern at Ibrox, in which the home side dominate proceedings and seek out space, what can supporters expect from Dunfermline given their season to date?

How have they fared this season?

Now under the stewardship of former Alloa manager Peter Grant – The Pars have endured a disappointing start to their Championship campaign. They drew 2-2 with Greenock Morton on the opening day of the season and last weekend, suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Patrick Thistle.

A look beneath those results paints a more optimistic picture, however. Against Thistle, Dunfermline had an xG of 1.5 to the visitors 0.9, they dominated possession with 63% of the ball. However, they lost two cheap goals from set-pieces and were wasteful in the final third.

Equally, an opening day draw with Morton saw them end the game with an xG of 2.83 to the host’s 1.96. On the basis of play, they could also feel aggrieved to leave with one point as opposed to three.

READ MORE: The Malmo throw-in echo that bamboozled Rangers analysed - Joshua Barrie

How are they expected to play?

In both league fixtures so far this season, Dunfermline have lined up with a three at the back. Switching between a 3-5-2 and a 3-4-3.

That flexibility is a real positive for any team and allows them to attack with a front three but also retain a strong midfield when defending.

Playing three at the back allows the Pars a good foundation with which to build from the back. In their two matches so far this season, Deniz Mehmet has tended to play the ball short whenever possible in distribution. When pressed more intensely against Morton, the former Dundee United goalkeeper sought out either wing-back from goal kicks.

This is a match in which Rangers could defend slightly wider than is normally the case to combat the threat of wing-backs and not allow the visitors the opportunity to swing in crosses which target man Nikolay Todorov can attack.

Ones to watch

Dunfermline have a number of players in their squad who possess top-flight experience, as well as several promising players.

Graham Dorrans is an obvious stand-out given his previous spell at Ibrox.

Now aged 34, the former Norwich and Scotland midfielder is back in the Scottish Championship after a spell with Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia. His experience will be vital to his team’s chances – given his familiarity with the supporters and occasion.

Elsewhere, Dom Thomas had an impressive 20/21 season and possesses an impressive one-on-one skillset. He has featured infield in a free 10 role at times this season.

In the forward line, Todorov had an impressive spell with Inverness last season that led to a move to East End Park. The Bulgarian is a powerful forward who will be a threat from dead balls and will endeavour to allow his team to get up the park by utilising his hold up play.

What are some weaknesses Rangers will seek to exploit?

Twice against Thistle last weekend, Dunfermline conceded sloppy goals from set-pieces. The first of which saw 5 ft 9’ Ross Docherty head home and the second was conceded after Mehmet flapped at a cross and left his goal wide open.

Mehmet has played a scarce amount of games for a 29-year-old and conceded suspect goals in both of the league games he has played so far this season. He does not appear a keeper who would instil confidence in his defence.

I’d be surprised if the visitors do still try to play out from the back at Ibrox. Steven Gerrard’s side can press really intelligently – but equally, it’s not improbable.

When Cove Rangers travelled to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup they still tried to play through Rangers and remained brave in possession, which the home side was able to exploit.

Rangers will know that if they play to the level which they're capable of - this match should take care of itself. They will need to ensure a fast start to appease the support and not allow Grant's team any room to grow into the fixture.