A 5-0 win against Ross Country brought Rangers back to winning ways ahead of travelling to Easter Road and locking horns with Hibernian. The runaway Premiership leaders are still unbeaten in the competition. A massive 23-point lead over bitter rivals Celtic at the top of the standings makes them the frontrunners to win the coveted crown after a decade of darkness, agony and mayhem.
On the other hand, Hibs have suffered a major blow following their Betfred Cup semifinal defeat against St Johnstone and are eyeing a third-place league finish now ahead of Aberdeen under Jack Ross. The Gers failed to knock down the Edinburgh side earlier this campaign when they settled for a thrilling 2-2 draw. The hosts, this time, would seek revenge for their narrow 1-0 Ibrox defeat on Boxing day and spoil Rangers’ ‘invincible’ dreams on Wednesday night.
4-3-3 Predicted Rangers Lineup To Face Hibernian
Defence
Despite being rotated initially with summer signing Jon McLaughlin, veteran Allan McGregor has cemented his place between the sticks for his stellar show in major outings. The 39-year-old shot-stopper grabbed a comfortable clean-sheet against the Staggies and would aim to secure another, this time against the league’s top-scorer (jointly with James Tavernier) Kevin Nisbet.
The staggering stats (11 goals and 9 assists in the league) of James Tavernier exhibit his mastery and expertise in the attacking third. A couple of missed spot-kicks of late must have put the skipper under a bit of pressure, but his priority should be maintaining composure at the back. Also, important should be recovering the space he leaves behind while making overlapping runs.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard would have a selection dilemma while choosing Connor Goldson’s central defensive partner. Filip Helander utilised his opportunity on Saturday afternoon, but Leon Balogun’s experience should get the preference in such a tricky test on the road. Borna Barisic is expected to retain his place as the left fullback.
Midfield
Ryan Jack is back with a bang as he fired in versus Ross County soon after returning from a long injury layoff. The Scotsman should be reintegrated in his preferred deep-lying midfield role replacing Steven Davis who might be introduced later on to add more depth and dominance in the middle of the park.
Glen Kamara has been a vital cog in terms of carrying the ball forward with his passing and movement behind the attacking third. The emergence of Joe Aribo has been exhilarating. The versatility of the Nigerian enables the gaffer to switch the set-up to 4-2-3-1 deploying him as a ‘number 10’ to link up with Alfredo Morelos.
Attack
Ryan Kent is back among goals, and his presence from the left-hand flank would keep the Hibs defence on their toes. Morelos is offering much more despite not scoring enough goals so far this season. His work ethics, intelligence and significance in the build-ups have ensured a starting status ahead of Jermain Defoe or Cedric Itten. Ianis Hagi has restored his place down the right and the solitary goal against Hibernian last month should see him have the nod over Kemar Roofe who is available again for selection.
