Rangers predicted XI vs Hearts: One change made as experience called for in expected Tynecastle cauldron
How we think Derek McInnes will set up his side at Tynecastle
Rangers will seek to extend their unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership against Edinburgh rivals Hearts on Wednesday night at Tynecastle.
After drawing 2-2 with Dundee 10 days ago, the Light Blues got back to winning ways in emphatic fashion at the weekend at home to St Johnstone. The 4-0 triumph means they’ve now won seven of their last eight as they now prepare for a trip to the capital.
The midweek clash marks manager Derek McInnes’ return to Tynecastle after leaving Hearts for Rangers in June. After a shaky start, the Light Blues boss now has a fairly settled starting XI, with only a handful of changes made over their last eight games. When Rangers play at Tynecastle there is an edge to the game at the best of times - but this one expected to have that little bit extra needle. With that in mind, here’s a look at how we think Rangers will set up on Wednesday night, using the 4-4-2 formation:
GK - Ivor Pandur
Seven clean sheets in his last eleven for the Croatian, who has still barely put a foot wrong in a royal blue jersey.
RB - Dujon Sterling
A tough task ahead for the utility man against Hearts’ danger man Josh McPake, but very few wingers have gotten the better of him so far.
CB - Emmanuel Fernandez
His concentration has improved in recent weeks with less unforced errors made. The Nigerian also provides an aerial threat in both boxes.
CB - Olwethu Makhanya
He’s strolled it so far, but Tynecastle will bring a completely different challenge to what he’s faced so far. Will be interesting to see how the South African fares.
LB - James Penrice
The former Jambo returns to Tynecastle for the first time since leaving in July 2025. His crossing ability makes him a constant attacking threat.
CM - Dan Neil
A composed performance against St Johnstone was needed after his howler at Dens Park in their previous fixture. The captain can’t afford a repeat of that on Wednesday at an equally-difficult venue.
CM - Nico Raskin
Another experienced campaigned who knows what it’s like to walk out at Tynecastle. Will be up against the physicality of Hearts midfielder Laurent Mendy.
RM - Kim Min-su
Deployed on the left and was the standout against St Johnstone - but in an attacking shake-up we think he’ll be moved to the right. Still searching for that illusive goal and Tynecastle would be a great venue to open his account.
LM - Djeidi Gassama
In for fellow winger Badredine Bouanani to inject a bit more pace. The Mauritanian has lacked end product but helps the team with his attacking intent and ability to win fouls.
ST - Ryan Naderi
Looked isolated at Dundee with no striker with him but was back to his best against the Saints. Scored a goal and bagged an assist at the weekend and will be looking to build on that tonight.
ST - Kevin Kelsy
The strike partnership is beginning to gel nicely. He can’t be dropped again after the Dundee stalemate, especially having scored a brace at the weekend.