Rangers predicted XI vs Hibs as recent defensive lapses leave room for potential stalwart debut
Here’s how we think Derek McInnes will set up his side against the Hibees
Rangers will face Hibs in matchday two of the SPFL Premiership as manager Derek McInnes seeks his first competitive win.
The Light Blues will need to sort out their issues at the back sooner rather than later having conceded two cheap goals in their defeat in Europe to Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok in midweek. Before that, it was an underwhelming display at Tannadice as they drew 1-1 with Dundee United. Against their Edinburgh rivals, in their first competitive home match of the season, anything less than three points for McInnes’ men would be cause for concern.
All of Rangers’ nine new signings have now taken to the field with the exception of South African defender Olwethu Makhanya, who was signed from MLS side Philadelphia Union last month. With Atalanta loanee Ben Godfrey out for a month, the Light Blues are light on options at the back, leaving McInnes with a decision to make whether to persevere with utility man Dujon Sterling or gamble with the new boy. Amid a few other selection headaches to ponder, here’s how we think McInnes will set up his side against the Hibs, using the more attacking 4-4-2 formation:
GK - Ivor Pandur
The £6m stopper has been one of the few bright sparks of the opening games. He notably isn’t afraid to come off his line.
RB - Dujon Sterling
Back to his favoured position, fellow full back Ross McCrorie has looked shaky at times on his return. Against a direct Hibs forward line, the physicality of Sterling could prove vital.
CB - Olwethu Makhanya
An unused substitute against Jagiellonia, but he’ll have to be thrust in at some point. With the ongoing defensive frailties, something needs to change.
CB - Emmanuel Fernandez
Rangers’ Player of the Year last season hasn’t quite looked himself so far. A big performance is needed to get him back on the straight and narrow.
LB - Tuur Rommens
With little to no other left back options, the Belgian is one of the first names on the team sheet. His willingness to run forward helped open the scoring on Thursday night.
CM - Cammy Devlin
Former Hearts man will need no extra motivation to perform against Hibs. If nothing else he’ll know how to rattle the opposition...
CM - Mohamed Diomande
Looked a lot more assured in Europe after a shaky pre-season. His ball retention skills could prove key in this one.
RM - Thelo Aasgaard
The Norwegian could be the main man this year - a sentence you wouldn’t have believed six months ago. Scored an important equaliser in the Tannadice stalemate and is set to keep his place.
LM - Findlay Curtis
New signing Daisuke Yokota started in midweek, but in attacking reshuffle Curtis came on and looked lively. A strong performance from the bench that perhaps warrants a subsequent start.
ST - Lawrence Shankland
Another former Jambo who loves a goal against Hibs. The stage is set in front of a packed Ibrox for him to open his account.
ST - Youssef Chermiti
Up top on his own in Poland where he worked tirelessly as usual but lacked attacking cutting edge. With the experienced Shankland beside him, he’ll be asked to do less off the ball, but more on it.