Rangers who won hearts with a scintillating display against Rapid Wien would again have to muster up something similar to that when they take on Hearts next. The table toppers are yet to be beaten in their seven games and are five points clear of their nearest rivals. So the Gers should be aware that it won’t be a comfortable afternoon for them.
However, if the Gers perform at the same level as they did in the European game, they should give Hearts a run for their money. It is often difficult to inspire the side once again after a big midweek clash, but Gerrard’s men cannot afford to slip up further especially when they are taking on their direct title rivals.
The players put in a big shift midweek but given the importance of this game, we believe Gerrard would name a strong first eleven, and all the players should be hungry for another win. With international break also round the corner, the team can go out full throttle in this game.
Team News
Jamie Murphy is out for the season. It’s not clear when Ryan Jack will be back, so he is likely to miss out. Veteran defender Gareth McAuley is still struggling to be fit.
Rangers Predicted Lineup Vs Hearts
Formation (4-4-2)
Defence
Allan McGregor was hardly tested midweek, but he has been outstanding in goal when called upon on Thursday. He is set to start in goal. The Scottish international would be shielded by the back four of Borna Barisic, Nikola Katic, Connor Goldson and James Tavernier. Barisic didn’t play in the Europa League tie as maybe Gerrard was keeping him for this encounter. Nikola Katic has now sat out the last two games so we can expect him to get his chance in this crucial tie against the table toppers. Connor Goldson is set to be his partner in the heart of the defence and captain James Tavernier will play in his usual right-back role.
Midfield
Lassana Coulibaly put in a good shift against Rapid Wien and Gerrard would expect the same from him in the weekend. Andy Halliday came on as a late substitute so he should be fresh and we expect him to start in midfield. Halliday would be in a more conservative role in the middle of the park.
Ryan Kent has slowly made the left wing spot his own, and his direct running and pace should create a lot of trouble to the Hearts defenders. On the right flank, Daniel Candeias should get the nod after he put in a big and assuring performance midweek.
Attack
It was a big dilemma whether to have an extra man in midfield but we want Gerrard to go all out by starting Kyle Lafferty and Alfredo Morelos up front. Lafferty can drop deep from time to time, and it can effectively make the formation look like 4-4-1-1 as he can play in the shadow striker role. The Colombian should be brimming with confidence after scoring a brace and winning a penalty against their Austrian rivals, and he should lead the line again.
