Rangers have the chance to chip away at Celtic’s lead in the Scottish Premiership tonight, braving the remnants of Storm Jocelyn to take on Hibernian at Easter Road.
Gers boss Philippe Clement knows that the 4-0 win at Ibrox on his first game as manager means nothing and both teams will line up differently with changes in either squad.
It seems like every game is massive for Rangers but, after previous post-winter break issues, there will be a nervousness ahead of the trip to play Hibernian, this is who the gaffer has gone with.
Rangers v Hibernian – Team news confirmed
Every week seems to see a new injury for the gaffer to deal with and it is the forward line where there are some decisions to make.
The defence almost picks itself with Connor Goldson suspended and Ben Davies not fit yet.
At left-back, Borna Barisic’s disaster against Dumbarton and Ridvan Yilmaz’s form makes it an easy call plus Hibs have more pace on the wings now in the 4-4-2 system that Nick Montgomery has been using.
Clement has been consistent with his midfield recently and only the imminent arrival of Mohamed Diomande might change it.
Jose Cifuentes has barely been seen recently and sat out the Scottish Cup win and Kieran Dowell has had an operation on his ankle which leaves Ryan Jack and Tom Lawrence as options off the bench.
Clement would have been preparing for life without Abdallah Sima but will be devastated to lose him long term, his plan for tonight was always going to be different though.
Fabio Silva has looked sharp in his cameos and he now gets the chance to put down a real marker for the coming games, he is the player that Clement will look to make a difference.
Rabbi Matondo and Ross McCausland are good players but they can’t be relied upon to match the Senegal international’s goal output, they have been rusted though and need to start adding numbers.
Getting as many players as possible in the starting XI who can score goals is essential in the future but this is how Rangers line-up against Hibernian.
It’s not quite make or break but this game could really set the tone for the second-half of the season.
One game at a time, as the manager says though.
