Rangers hit a new low in the Champions League by losing all six group-stage games and finishing with a -20 goal difference. It’s the worst record ever in the history of this prestigious competition, whereas Sunday afternoon’s shocking defeat against St Johnstone has further jeopardized Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s position as the Ibrox boss. The struggling Gers will host Hearts on Wednesday night and the fans are fearing another setback as they are already seven points behind Celtic in the Premiership standings.
Van Bronckhorst is currently clutching at straws amid a potential dismissal during the World Cup break. The Jamtarts suffered a shocking 4-0 defeat at Tynecastle, but they must be relishing the clash this time around with a view to scripting revenge on the road.
Rangers vs Hearts: Talking Tactics
The Dutch boss has two massive games to turn things around, however, both Hearts and St. Mirren have grabbed some big results thanks to their patient play and swift counter-attacks. Rangers must find a variation other than their crossing game with a lack of end product. More down-the-middle runs and quicker link-up play should be implemented in and around the attacking third.
Hearts, under Robbie Neilson, has been an exciting force given their high work ethic and smart brand of football. They defeated Motherwell a couple of days ago despite being down to ten men for the majority of the contest and the Gers’ frailty in the defensive third must be exposed by the Jambos when these two sides will clash heads in Glasgow.
Team News
Rangers
The absence of Tom Lawrence is a significant setback for the Gers, given the Welshman’s form and finesse as a playmaker. Ianis Hagi remains a long-term absentee, and so are Kemar Roofe, John Souttar, Connor Goldson, Ridvan Yilmaz and Filip Helander who are still recovering from setbacks. A muscle injury will keep Fashion Sakala out for the next two fixtures.
Rangers Predicted XI
McLaughlin; Tavernier, King, Davis, Barisic; Lundstram, Sands; Wright, Arfield, Kent; Colak
Hearts
Hearts have appealed against Jorge Grant’s red card and a successful overturn would see him being lined up in the middle of the park. Stephen Kingsley is sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury, also the likes of Liam Boyce and Beni Baningime remain unavailable due to torn cruciate ligaments. Gary Mackay-Steven is out with a broken foot and the availability of Peter Haring and Craig Halkett will depend on late fitness tests.
Hearts Predicted XI
Gordon; Smith, Sibbick, Cochrane, Halliday; Devlin; Ginnelly, Kiomourtzoglou, Snodgrass, McKay; Shankland.
Key Men
Rangers
Antonio Colak must start finding the target again in the domestic contest. John Lundstram has been the Gers’ driving force in the middle of the park, and the relentless attacking moves of James Tavernier might cause menace in Hearts’ defence.
Hearts
Former Rangers pair Barry McKay and Andy Halliday must be upbeat on their return to Ibrox. The latter fired in a brace versus Motherwell, whereas the poaching traits of Lawrence Shankland should trouble the Light Blues’ decimated backline. Robert Snodgrass would look to dominate the midfield game banking on his profound experience south of the border.
Rangers vs Napoli: Streaming Links
| Country | Broadcaster |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports |
