Rangers were flying high in the Premiership title race until recently when they suffered setbacks against Hearts and Aberdeen. Steven Gerrard must be worried about the Gers’ wastefulness of late, along with the ‘missing spark’ cited as the reason for their futile draw versus the Dons.
The Gers, meanwhile, are expecting yet another tricky test on Wednesday night, this time against Hibernian, who are gradually scripting an upsurge under newly-appointed boss Jack Ross. The Ibrox tie would be crucial for both sides. However, the hosts must turn things around and keep pace with Celtic to conquer the crown.
Rangers Team News vs Hibernian
The Bears have a few fitness concerns ahead of this contest versus the Hibs. Jermain Defoe is ruled out for months having suffered a calf injury against Ross County. Greg Stewart and Ryan Jack, too, are sidelined with their respective concerns, whereas Filip Helander is still recovering from a foot injury that he suffered a couple of months back. Jon Flanagan has not been involved as well since being taken off against the Jambos at half-time.
Rangers Formation vs Hibernian
Gerrard’s 4-3-3 worked out quite well against the Hoops before the winter break. Although they struggled in the past couple of fixtures, the gaffer must stick to his plan and motivate the Light Blues to stage a comeback.
Rangers Probable Lineup vs Hibernian
Defence
Allan McGregor, though in his late thirties, have been majestic in between the sticks. The Scotsman should keep his place in goal, and wil also look to ensure back to back clean sheets in front of the Ibrox crowd.
Skipper James Tavernier remained as an unused substitute against Aberdeen. But he has now recovered from a stomach strain and is likely to reclaim his right-back role replacing Matt Polster. Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic must retain their place as the prime central defensive pairing. Borna Barisic, a revelation down the left, should keep on exhibiting his excellence with marauding runs, link-up play and set-piece attributes.
Midfield
The injury of Jack is a massive blow, but the show must go on, and the gaffer is tipped to form a midfield three capable of shielding the backline as well as creating chances for the attacking third.
Steven Davis should operate from the deep-lying role with his high work ethics and game-reading traits. Glen Kamara, though erroneous against Hearts and underwhelming ever since, is expected to get the nod from the beginning. Scott Arfield should feature too, down the middle ahead of Ianis Hagi, their winter recruit who needs time to settle in the new surroundings.
Attack
Versatile Joe Aribo has been productive down the right flank since being shifted from his midfield role. Ryan Kent, on the left, must trouble the Hibs’ defensive resilience with his pace, power and dribbling ability. Despite drawing a blank against the Dons, Alfredo Morelos would be spearheading the Gers’ attack in the absence of the injured Defoe. Florian Kamberi, on loan from Hibernian, is ineligible to feature against his parent outfit.
