Rangers Football Club left the darkest of years behind them and returned to the top tier of Scottish football last season. They, however, finished third in the league and were no match for their age-old rivals Celtic FC who clinched their sixth successive Premiership title maintaining a domestic ‘invincibles’ status under Brendan Rodgers.
The Gers were thoroughly active in the summer transfer window and the former gaffer Pedro Caixinha brought in several new faces to reconstruct the squad and reignite the Old-Firm rivalry that has been entirely dominated by the Hoops in recent time. But the things went completely wrong under Caixinha which resulted in a dismissal midway of the campaign. Graeme Murty, the caretaker boss, was promoted to carry on the managerial duties and has managed to restore the consistency to some extent for the Light Blues.
Rangers have overtaken Aberdeen to climb on to the second spot of the league tally and although they are 9 points behind of the league leaders Celtic, the Gers are gradually heading towards the lost pride with promises of a close contest from the next time onwards. They are upbeat and high on confidence following a thumping 5-3 away win over league counterparts Hamilton Academical and are confident of continuing that on Saturday afternoon while hosting Heart of Midlothian at Ibrox.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
Rangers have Wes Foderingham in goal who has been quite reliable and consistent between the sticks. He will be fielded against the Hearts and is likely to continue impressing like he has been doing for past two seasons.
Defence
The Gers have a couple significant absentees in defence as veteran Bruno Alves and Lee Wallace are still ruled out with injuries. However, they have brought in Russell Martin on loan from Norwich City for the remainder of the campaign who is likely to be partnered by David Bates in central defence. The fullback roles will be occupied by James Tavernier who has been pretty consistent on the right-back slot whereas left-back Declan Jones is set to start on the opposite flank.
Midfield
Despite missing out the likes of Graham Dorrans, Jordan Rossiter, Ryan Jack and Ross McCrorie due to injuries, Murty has brought in reinforcements in winter to enhance options and versatility in the middle of the park. Sean Goss has been a quality recruit who is likely to partner Jason Holt in a holding midfield role. Holt was suspended against the Accies but is likely to return in action replacing youngster Greg Docherty who was handed his first Rangers start last week against his former employers. Daniel Candeias is adapting well to a more central role behind the front trio and is tipped to start the game against Hearts tomorrow.
Attack
Rangers’ front trio of Alfredo Morelos, Jamie Murphy and Josh Windass destroyed the Accies backline last Sunday as the latter scored a hat-trick days after signing a new long-term contract. The attack looks more menacing since Jamie Murphy’s loan move from Brighton & Hove Albion and the three of them are confident of replicating the same against Hearts.
