After a gruelling pre-season over the past few weeks, Rangers are set to commence their Premiership journey on Sunday afternoon. But a tricky test awaits them on the road against Hearts at Tynecastle. The Gers dominated this fixture throughout the previous season except for the most recent meeting that ended 3-3 following an injury-time equalizer from the Jambos forward Kyosuke Tagawa.
Rangers have a few absentees with Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling missing their friendly clash against Union Berlin due to illness and a muscle strain. Several experienced stars have been offloaded in favour of a squad rebuild, and the gaffer Philippe Clement must be hopeful of a spirited start even though they are still working on several deals before the transfer deadline.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Hearts
Defence
Jack Butland has been a revelation in the Gers goal since his Bosman move last summer. He is expected to retain his ‘number 1’ status irrespective of Liam Kelly’s arrival earlier this window.
Skipper James Tavernier has been a transfer target for Trabzonspor, but the right-fullback should keep his place unless he is offloaded anytime soon. The egress of Connor Goldson would see John Souttar partnering with Ben Davies in deep defence against his former employers, also, Borna Barisic’s departure might pave the way for Ridvan Yilmaz after a couple of difficult years at Ibrox. Jefte, the summer signing from Fluminense, should deputize the left-back for now. Leon Balogun, Leon King, Clinton Nsiala and the latest recruit Robin Propper could make it among the substitutes as the central defensive alternatives.
Midfield
Despite the exit of John Lundstram and Ryan Jack, Rangers have Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin to form a ‘double pivot’ deep down the midfield. Connor Barron has been an exciting addition, but the Belgian boss must be careful with the development of the former Aberdeen prodigy. He could be involved at some stage rather than being deployed as a first-team starter.
Scott Wright had a blistering pre-season which could earn him a starting status down the left-hand flank. A fit Tom Lawrence remains a threat with his creative spark in and around the attacking third. The Welsh playmaker is tipped to feature as a ‘number 10’ but could swap his position with wide midfielders. Oscar Cortés must exhibit his flair and finesse from the right after an injury-ravaged loan stint over the last few months of the previous campaign. Václav Černý, Rabbi Matondo and Ross McCausland could be involved as second-half substitutes to inject more firepower high up the pitch.
Attack
Cyriel Dessers has often been criticized for his lack of work rate. But the Nigerian is likely to get the nod ahead of Danilo given the Brazilian’s injury history throughout the 2023-24 season.
