Tavernier In Midfield, Igamane To Start | Predicted 3-4-1-2 Rangers Lineup To Face Hibernian | OneFootball

There might be little hope left for Rangers in the Premiership race, but a thrilling late win against Dundee at Dens Park must boost them ahead of hosting high-flying Hibernian on Saturday afternoon. The reverse fixture at Easter Road finished 3-3 earlier this year, however, the Gers snatched an edgy 1-0 win when they locked horns at Ibrox back in September.

Despite Hibs’ stellar form, Barry Ferguson must rotate his options to avoid fatigue and fitness woes ahead of a massive midweek encounter against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-final. The interim boss has made tactical alterations and formation tweaks and is expected to undergo a selection dilemma with no significant injury absentees other than Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Vaclav Cerny.

Predicted 3-4-1-2 Rangers Lineup To Face Hibernian

Defence

Jack Butland was error prone against the Dee, but he remains Ferguson’s preferred choice between the sticks. Another tough test awaits the Englishman as the likes of Martin Boyle, Junior Hoilett, and Kieron Bowie look to threaten him, especially on setpieces.

The gaffer could stick to the same ‘back three’ featured against Dundee. However, he has managed Leon Balogun’s minutes cautiously, and the veteran Nigerian could operate once more as a left centre-half despite being taken off at half-time for Ianis Hagi.

John Souttar should keep his place in the heart of the backline as well as Dujon Sterling, as the versatile England ace might start from the right but is capable of slotting in the centre of the pitch to instigate a midfield overload.

Midfield

Skipper James Tavernier has appeared as a right-sided centre-back in a three-man defence, but his flair, marauding runs and scoring ability are best utilized from the right-hand flank. Jefte should get the nod over Ridvan Yilmaz down the left to offer more balance between attack and defence.

Connor Barron made way for 18-year-old Bailey Rice last weekend, but the former Aberdeen prospect must get the nod once again alongside Nicolas Raskin. His presence as a deep-lying playmaker would enable the Belgian to make box-to-box movements and link-up in and around the attacking third.

Mohamed Diomande has been majestic in an advanced midfield role. He has also been deployed from the left, but the absence of Cerny could see him occupy the ‘number 10’ spot ahead of Nedim Bajrami, Danilo or Tom Lawrence.

Attack

A stunning winner against Celtic at Parkhead has seen Hamza Igamane reclaim his starting spot. The Moroccan also scored a hat-trick at Easter Road, and is expected to partner with Cyriel Dessers, who fired in an injury-time winner on Saturday evening against the Dark Blues.