Our league form has been pretty dismal all season (with the exception of December) and it's no surprise that we find ourselves just three points off the bottom. We've failed to win in the SPL in 2009 and recent events suggest there is little chance of that run ending before the split. The only good thing is bottom club Falkirk are in action against the other half of the Old Firm tomorrow night, although knowing our luck they'll probably win.
We must take something from Wednesday's game, even if it's just a point, as it would give the Saints support a huge boost. The previous Old Firm games came at the perfect time - when we'd hit bottom and when we'd been stuffed by Celtic - but there would be no better time to beat one of them again. We desperately need the points, regardless of who we're playing. A win would give us a lift in the table and in the mental stakes.
If we're to take anything, we have to go at Rangers. Not in a suicidal way, but in the way we went at Celtic. Going with one striker is not an option. It has to be Billy Mehmet and Craig Dargo up front - partly because Dennis Wyness and Tom Brighton are suspended and there isn't really another option. There has to be a change in midfield - the same four have started the last two games and have been woeful. I'd like to see a return to the 3-5-2 formation we used to beat Rangers in October, but I don't see it. The best we can hope for is Stephen McGinn replacing the out of form Gary Mason. The defence will probably be the same again, although it would be nice to see David Barron replace the bombscare of Mo Camara.
At the moment, we are pretty limited in what we can change. As well as Wyness and Brighton being injured, we're also without Franco Miranda, Stephen Robb, Chris Smith and Stephen O'Donnell. Hugh Murray is suspended, but thankfully will be back for the next game against Hibs.
Rangers need points for a different reason as they try to keep the pressure on Celtic at the top of the league. There's been a bit of turmoil over the past week with the Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor saga, but manager Walter Smith has dealt with that fairly well. Neil Alexander is a more than capable deputy for McGregor, while Pedro Mendes should return to his early season form with Ferguson's absence. Injuries elsewhere in the Rangers side should ensure the lethal Kris Boyd starts this one.
There are doubts over the fitness of former Saint Kirk Broadfoot, but it looks like he might be able to shrug off a knock and play tomorrow. The big defender has done well at right back in the last year or so and even forced his way into the Scotland squad. If he plays tomorrow night he'll probably have a relatively easy game as we have no wide players.
It would be nice to think we could take all three points tomorrow night - and there is a chance. We must go at this lot from the start, every player must give their all and our fans must back the team to the hilt. If that happens then maybe, just maybe, the impossible dream can become reality once again.