Rangers v Falkirk preview
Mendes blow for SPL holders; Stewart misses out for visitors
Last Updated: August 14, 2009 3:56pm
Smith: Begins against Falkirk
Rangers begin the defence of their SPL title with a home clash against Falkirk on Saturday.
Gers manager Walter Smith has been dealt a blow with the news Pedro Mendes is out for the weekend.
The midfielder has been ruled out with a thigh strain while Nacho Novo has a dislocated shoulder.
Adding to Smith's selection woes are Sasa Papac and Kyle Lafferty, who are suspended.
Kevin Thomson will be in the squad but is unlikely to start after a lengthy lay-off from competitive action with a serious knee injury.
Mark Stewart is the only absentee from Falkirk's squad for the fixture.
The forward suffered a groin injury earlier in pre-season and is around two weeks away from a comeback.
Josh Wagenaar comes into the squad after signing earlier this week but Robert Olejnik will continue in goal.
Matches
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Clydesdale Bank Premier League
Table
Clydesdale Bank Premier League
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aberdeen | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Celtic | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Dundee United | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Hearts | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | Hibernian | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | Inverness CT | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Kilmarnock | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Motherwell | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Partick Thistle | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Ross County | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | St Johnstone | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | St Mirren | 0 | 0 |
