Ahead of Rangers’ Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hibernian at Hampden Park on Sunday, we’ve put together a Predicted XI.
Following the upheaval caused by Steven Gerrard’s departure for Aston Villa last week, it’s important for the players to focus on what is a massive opportunity.
James Tavernier and co. must focus as a major opportunity beckons. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
Rangers haven’t won a major domestic cup competition since the 2010/11 season but a triumph over a Hibs side who were in poor form prior to the international break would leave them one victory away from silverware.
The interim coaching team won’t make wholesale changes to the structure or playing style, but we’re predicting several personnel changes from the side that defeated Ross County 4-2 at Ibrox in the league last time out.
Alterations at the back are relatively unlikely, with a first League Cup appearance of the season on the cards for Allan McGregor due to the importance of the fixture.
He’s likely to be protected by a back four of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey, with Bassey keeping his place as Borna Barisic hasn’t played since picking up an injury against Brondby at the beginning of the month.
Calvin Bassey makes our Rangers Predicted XI to face Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It could be all change in midfield, with a solid trio of Steven Davis, Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield coming in at the expense of John Lundstram and Juninho Bacuna, while Joe Aribo moves up to an inside forward berth.
Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos could then complete the front three, with Ianis Hagi and the in-form Fashion Sakala providing firepower from the bench.
Rangers Predicted XI vs Hibernian – 21/11/2021:
GK – Allan McGregor
RB – James Tavernier
CB – Connor Goldson
CB – Leon Balogun
LB – Calvin Bassey
CDM – Steven Davis
CM – Scott Arfield
CM – Glen Kamara
RIF – Joe Aribo
LIF – Ryan Kent
ST – Alfredo Morelos
Ahead of the match, the SPFL have issued important information for supporters.