Rangers vs Hibernian is always a tough and competitive fixture. The importance of it is always high, and Boxing Day’s clash between the pair will be no different.
Steven Gerrard’s men have just come off a huge win at McDiarmid Park against St Johnstone. An Alfredo Morelos brace was enough to take the spoils, but the tight nature of the match was too close for Gerrard’s liking.
Therefore, it’s imperative that Rangers get a nice, confident performance under their belts ahead of a huge tussle with Celtic at Ibrox next Saturday.
Several big questions will be asked of the Rangers manager regarding his team selection. As always, however, we give it our best shot at determining what that selection will be.
First off, as always, the reliable Allan McGregor will start in goal. There was nothing he could’ve done with Matthew Kennedy’s strike for St Johnstone on Sunday. Despite that, however, he’ll be looking to get it out of his system on Boxing Day.
To his right, he’ll see James Tavernier, but the big question is who will he see to his left? Borna Barisic is out until after the new year, subsequently leaving a big gap needing filled. Lee Wallace filled in competantly enough at McDiarmid Park for most of the match. Therefore, he’s surely going to be given the chance to continue his comeback against Hibs.
Will Gerrard find a defensive solution for Hibs?
Joe Worrall, as usual, was too laboured against St Johnstone. Some slack moments therefore could’ve easily cost Rangers against a better team. Hibs ARE a better team, and therefore Gareth McAuley has to return and partner Connor Goldson for safety.
Another player that didn’t take his big chance on Sunday was midfielder Lassana Coulibaly. Unfortunately, he just doesn’t look like recapturing his early-season form. With Ross McCrorie and Andy Halliday doing a fine job in the midfield, it therefore could be the case that they’re partnered by Ryan Jack in a midfield three. It’s not the most dynamic of midfields, but Rangers are running out of options.
Daniel Candeias is likely to regain his place down the right, and he’ll be hunting a goal. Meanwhile. Glenn Middleton could start against Hibs with Eros Grezda retaking the reigns for the visit of Celtic. Either/or wouldn’t be surprising in this scenario.
As expected, 19-goal Morelos will be looking for number 20 against Hibs on Wednesday night, in what will subsequently be the easiest decision Gerrard will make all night.
Below is our predicted XI in full. What would you change and why?
