Rangers boss Michael Beale demanded a reaction from his men against Kilmarnock following last weekend’s League Cup heartbreak. And the Gers did so expertly by clinching a 3-1 win at Ibrox. Meanwhile, a tougher test awaits on Wednesday night when they would travel to Easter Road to clash heads with the in-form Hibernian.
The Light Blues, down to nine men, conceded in the stoppage time to settle for a 2-2 draw earlier this campaign. They came back twice from behind back in December to clinch a 3-2 win in Beale’s first official game in charge as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s successor. Hibs, too, have grabbed momentum of late and could frustrate the Glasgow giants in another intriguing Premiership battle.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Hibernian
Defence
41-year-old Allan McGregor is way past his prime. But he still remains Rangers’ ‘number 1’ ahead of Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie. The Scotsman is likely to be tested by the Hibernian attackers this midweek.
Skipper James Tavernier is leading by example with his relentless runs, crosses, set-piece expertise, goal-scoring ability and attacking threats. He must exhibit his mastery down the right, and so should Borna Barisic who has worked on his defensive duties while featuring from the left. Connor Goldson and Ben Davies have formed a stable central defensive partnership amid the long-term injury woes of Filip Helander and John Souttar. Souttar, however, is back in action but the Gers are still without Ridvan Yilmaz who has not regained match fitness yet.
Midfield
Ryan Jack started the game brightly against Killie before losing control in the centre of the pitch. He might be rested versus Hibs in favour of John Lundstram deep down the midfield. Nicolas Raskin is doing well to attune to the demands of Scottish football and the Belgian playmaker is expected to form a ‘double pivot’ alongside the Englishman. Glan Kamara might once again find a place among the substitutes following a dreadful performance in the Old Firm final.
Malik Tillman might miss the upcoming tie due to fitness reasons. Alex Lowry remains sidelined with an ankle strain, and so are Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence, who have suffered setbacks while recovering from long-standing problems. But they have Fashion Sakala who has been a revelation on the right-hand flank. Moreover, winter recruit Todd Cantwell showed his sparks as a ‘number 10’ in the absence of Tillman. Ryan Kent must maintain his standards down the left while Scott Wright, Scott Arfield and Ianis Hagi could be involved from the bench.
Attack
Antonio Colak started the Killie game but he could make way for Alfredo Morelos who has reclaimed the ‘number 9’ spot post-winter break.
