Rangers will travel to Tynecastle Stadium to take on Hearts of Midlothian who led the table for the most parts this season. However, some poor results of late have seen them drop down to the third spot, but they are still just one point behind the Gers at the moment.
With Celtic playing the League Cup final, Rangers will have the chance to climb on top of the table if they secure all three points away from home. The Bears are coming on the back of an inspiring draw against Spanish opponents Villarreal in the Europa League, and fatigue could play a significant role given that Hearts players would be relatively fresh. However, Gerrard’s men can’t use that as an excuse as that is what all top teams aspire to do (To play in Europe and challenge for titles).
Team News
Borna Barisic is back in training, but he still doesn’t seem ready to take on a full-fledged game. Jamie Murphy and Graham Dorrans continue to be long-term absentees. Ryan Kent is yet to recover from his hamstring injury.
Rangers Predicted Lineup vs Hearts of Midlothian
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Everyone is raving about Allan McGregor like everyone else, and there is no doubt that he would once again start in goal. Joe Worrall and Connor Goldson seems to be the prefered partnership for Gerrard in the big games, and we expect the manager to go in again with the same duo at the back.
Andy Halliday should be fresh after not being involved in the Europa League clash. He should come in the left back spot in place of Jon Flanagan. James Tavernier should start down the right to complete the back four.
Midfield
Ryan Jack was defensively disciplined on Thursday, but in this game, he might have to produce more quality when on the ball. He should start alongside the ever dependable Scott Arfield. Along with Mcgregor, Arfield was one of the top performers midweek. The Canadian is likely to be in a more box to box role whereas Jack would sit back and protect the back four.
Further up front, we might see Gerrard giving Eros Grezda a start on the left flank over Glenn Middleton. Daniel Candeias got an unintended extra rest midweek due to his red card, and he should start down the right. Ovie Ejaria can play in an advanced role in midfield after he wasn’t involved in the previous game.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos didn’t get his mandatory goal or a yellow card in the last game, but he was a constant menace for Villarreal defenders. He should start as the man up front with former Hearts man Kyle Lafferty on the bench.
