Premiership giants Rangers will be looking to continue their romp atop the league table when they face off against Hibernian this weekend. The Gers are coming into this clash on the back of a rather comfortable 3-0 victory against St. Johnstone last weekend, where goals from Kemar Roofe, Glen Kamara and Ianis Hagi handed Steven Gerrard’s men all three points. Hibs, on the other hand, didn’t have things quite so comfortable last time out, with their midweek game against St. Mirren ending 1-0, in a fixture that saw both teams going down to ten men.
Team News
Rangers
The Ibrox club don’t currently have too many injury concerns to deal with, as Leon Balogun is also now available for selection. The Nigerian picked up a head injury last week, but he was fit enough to make the bench in midweek, which means that he could return. The only long-term absentee that Steven Gerrard currently has to worry about is defender Nikola Katic, while midfield ace Ryan Jack is also set to miss out on this outing.
Predicted XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic, Davis, Kamara, Arfield, Itten, Roofe, Kent
Hibernian
The biggest worry for the Hibees going into this high-profile clash against the league leaders will be the availability of regular goalkeeper Ofir Marciano. The shot-stopper suffered what seemed like a hamstring issue in the win against St. Mirren in midweek, and his absence from the eleven could make Rangers’ task of finding the back of the net that little bit easier. Christian Doidge is another player who isn’t going to play any part in this fixture, as he is suspended for getting sent off on Wednesday.
Predicted XI: Barnes, McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon, Stevenson, Boyle, Halberg, Newell, Magennis, Gullan, Nisbet
Here Is The Rangers Vs Hibernian Tactical Preview:
Rangers Vs Hibernian Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Rangers
The Ibrox club haven’t shown any mercy in the Premiership since the start of the campaign. Although it was gradually beginning to look like they had dropped off the pace over the last couple of weeks, their recent win against St. Johnstone showed them in a good light. Steven Gerrard is likely to set his team up to dominate proceedings from the start, in a manner that the midfield line will have a lot of control. If the Gers are able to snatch an early goal in this tie, it could make things extremely difficult for the Hibees for the remainder of the game.
Hibernian
Often seen playing with two strikers, the Hibs aren’t the kind of team that will simply sit back and try to soak up the pressure. As much as they are likely to drop deep in an attempt to offer as less space as possible, there’s no way that Jack Ross’ men will come out on Saturday looking for a draw. Counter-attacking and trying to catch the Rangers back-line out could be the way to go for the visitors. It will be essential for the strikers to hold the ball up to at least give Hibs a chance to put up a fight against the league leaders.
Key Men
Rangers
Some of the defensive work that Rangers have produced this season has been exemplary, however, their attacking play deserves massive credit as well. Kemar Roofe has been Rangers’ brightest spark in attack for a number of weeks now, and the Jamaican’s dominance in the final third is expected to continue.
Hibernian
With Doidge unavailable for selection after getting sent off in midweek, the onus falls onto the shoulders of Kevin Nisbet. The striker has already proven over the course of the current season that he has got what it takes to singlehandedly win matches. The attacker will have to be at his best to overcome the solid Rangers back-line though.
