The mood at Rangers Football Club would be gloomy right now after the Old Firm derby. The loss against Celtic would hurt even more because this season promised a lot more, especially when Rangers went in level on points with the Hoops heading into the international break in January. However, after three months, Steven Gerrard’s men find themselves 13 points adrift from the top of the table and with nothing to play for in the last few games.
They are going to face Hearts in a midweek encounter at Ibrox, and the Jambos are coming on the back of an impressive win over Aberdeen. Rangers can probably try out different things in these games to prepare for next season. However, Steven Gerrard needs to be careful that his team does not end up going on a downward spiral after a loss against their Old Firm rivals.
Team News
Alfredo Morelos is set to miss out because of his red card offence against Celtic. Gerrard indicated that his patience is running out with the Colombian forward and maybe he could have played his last game for the Gers. Andy Halliday is also out because of suspension. Borna Barisic is unlikely to recover from his calf problem. Jamie Murphy and Graham Dorrans are long term absentees.
Rangers Predicted Lineup Vs Hearts of Midlothian
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Allan McGregor kept Rangers in the game with some excellent saves in the derby, but that wasn’t enough in the end. The Scotsman is set to continue in goal. Joe Worrall is not going to be part of the Rangers team next season, and Gerrard would be better off playing with the defensive pair of Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson.
With both left backs unavailable, Jon Flanagan is likely to come in the team to cover in that position. James Tavernier is expected to be in his usual right-back role.
Midfield
Glen Kamara is likely to come in the starting eleven after the derby disappointment. Ryan Jack should play in the deepest role in midfield. Scott Arfield is expected to continue in central areas as well.
Ryan Kent was one of the few bright sparks in the last game, and his little jab at Scott Brown would also go well with Rangers fans. He should start on the left (provided he is not handed a ban at 3 pm tomorrow). Daniel Candeias should be on the right flank though there could be a temptation to give Eros Grezda a go in the first eleven.
Attack
Jermain Defoe is expected to lead the line in Morelos’ absence, and it is time for the veteran English forward to step up and deliver the goods in the absence of Rangers’ highest scorer this season.
