After successive wins against St Johnstone, Rangers will be back in action on Wednesday night in a crucial Premiership encounter. They will travel to Tynecastle to lock horns with Hearts who are also enjoying a blistering run under Robbie Neilson.
The Jamtarts, currently third in the league standings, have been the second-best whenever these two sides clashed heads in the recent past. The Gers won the Scottish Cup final defeating them in extra time, also the past two meetings earlier this campaign ended in favour of the Glasgow giants. Rangers grabbed a thumping 4-0 win in Edinburgh back in October and new boss Michael Beale must continue the streak built under his predecessor Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Hearts
Defence
Veteran Allan McGregor grabbed back-to-back clean sheets versus the Saints. The Scotsman, yet to concede against Hearts so far this season, must deliver another headstrong display to help his side maintain the winning run.
Skipper James Tavernier is irreplaceable down the right with his leadership traits, attacking expertise along with set-piece attributes. Left fullback Borna Barisic must balance his game between defence and attack amid the injury absence of Ridvan Yilmaz. Connor Goldson and Ben Davies need to showcase their composure in the heart of the backline given the long-term fitness problems of John Souttar and Filip Helander.
Midfield
Although Glen Kamara found the net on Saturday evening, the gaffer is likely to rely on John Lundstram and Ryan Jack who have impressed as the double pivot deep down the midfield. Nicolas Raskin could be an option who is set to join the Light Blues before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
In-form Fashion Sakala had to make way for their high-profile winter recruit Todd Cantwell. The Englishman is expected to keep his place on the right, also his compatriot Ryan Kent must exhibit his mastery from the other flank. Malik Tillman should retain his ‘number 10’ status for now, however, the fit-again Ianis Hagi is ready to challenge the USMNT international for the first-team spot. Sakala, as well as Scott Wright, might feature as second-half substitutes.
Attack
Antonio Colak is slowly rebuilding his fitness as the understudy to Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian hitman must spearhead the attack as he has done in the recent fixtures, but the Croatian ‘number 9’ is tipped to play his part as a ‘super sub’. Kemar Roofe is facing another spell on the sidelines following a new injury nightmare picked up against Aberdeen a couple of weeks back.
