Rangers registered a dramatic late win against Kilmarnock last weekend but exhibited their supremacy in Europe on Thursday night when they secured a stunning 4-2 win on the road against Danish heavyweights FC Midtjylland. The Bears are now set to host Hibernian at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon. They should expect yet another tricky test in their quest to conquer the Premiership throne.
The congestion of fixtures early in the campaign might lead to fatigue and fitness concerns. However, the depth Steven Gerrard has built throughout the summer should offer him the flexibility of rotating his options to keep them fresh and fit for the entire season.
Rangers Team News Vs Hibernian
Allan McGregor was suspended for the Killie clash after receiving a three-game suspension against Hibs towards the closure of the previous campaign. The custodian, however, has served the term and is now set to return between the sticks against Paul Heckingbottom’s men.
New recruit Brandon Barker has a hamstring strain whereas Jamie Murphy is still struggling to regain his fitness after rupturing his ACL almost a year back. Graham Dorrans and Eros Grezda are surplus to requirements and out of action due to their respective muscle and calf injuries.
Rangers Formation Vs Hibernian
Gerrard has mostly formed the squad based on a 4-3-3 set-up that has earned him some early success in his managerial career. But he might tweak it a bit and field the Light Blues in a 4-3-2-1 formation for the league encounter.
Defence
Allan McGregor is set to replace Wes Foderingham between the sticks who featured against Kilmarnock in their nervy 2-1 win at Rugby Park.
James Tavernier was exceptional against Midtjylland and should look to replicate a similar show from the right-hand flank. But he should work more on his defensive game whereas Borna Barisic, likely to start the game on the left, must meet the manager’s expectations, particularly after Jon Flanagan’s standout display this midweek. Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic have been rigid in the heart of the backline and are also contributing upfront with crucial goals from the indirect set-piece moves.
Midfield
Steven Davis had minor injury problems but should be back in contention to start the game from the middle of the park. Ryan Jack is expected to retain his place in the deep-lying role whereas Joe Aribo, excellent so far with his box-to-box movements, must be lined up in their ‘three-man’ midfield.
Attack
Jordan Jones’ performance against Midtjylland received plaudits from the gaffer. But he might make his way for Sheyi Ojo who should be deployed down the right. Scott Arfield, the versatile Canadian, must operate from the left flank to add more creativity as well as experience in the attacking third. Alfredo Morelos is in flying form and should get the nod over veteran Jermain Defoe while spearheading the Gers’ attack.
