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Predicted Rangers XI vs Hibs as Connor Goldson key doubt from Celtic derby win
Rangers may be forced into at least one change to their team from last Saturday’s impressive 3-0 victory against Celtic when they travel to Easter Road to face Hibernian this weekend.
The Light Blues produced a dominant performance at Ibrox to blow away their Old Firm rivals and end Ange Postecoglou’s run of 34 domestic games without a defeat. English playmaker Todd Cantwell dazzled on the big stage, and scored the opener to make it two goals in as many games having netted the winner against Aberdeen a week earlier.
John Souttar and Fashion Sakala Jr netted the other goals, as Michael Beale’s men softened the blow of having missed out on the title to Celtic for a second year running.
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Rangers are 10 points adrift of their city rivals with three games remaining, but with the futures of several first team players very much up for debate, Beale will see the final week of the season as a chance to evaluate the tools he has at his disposal going into the summer.
Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent are set to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the month, but Ryan Jack has penned a new one-yer deal and will be part of the Ibrox overhaul.
The Gers take on a Hibs side who have improved in recent weeks, with manager Lee Johnson left scratching his head as to how the Leith men did not come away from Pittodrie with all three points last weekend. The Hibees controlled proceedings throughout against Aberdeen, but passed some golden chances to find a winner, most notably with 11 minutes to play when Kevin Nisbet saw a penalty kick saved.
Hibs are in fifth place and just a point behind Edinburgh rivals Hearts, and a victory against Rangers on Sunday will see them move into contention for a European qualification spot.
Boss Beale will want to name as close to the same team that beat Celtic so convincingly, and take that momentum into the Easter Road clash this weekend.
Robby McCrorie has been an understudy to Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin in recent years, but his performance against Celtic is likely to see him keep his place in goal for the last three games of the campaign.
Connor Goldson and John Souttar have formed a decent partnership at centre back, but with doubts over the key defender and Ben Davies out, youngster Leon King could come in beside Souttar with the duo flanked by skipper James Tavernier and Ridvan Yilmaz in the full back positions.
Jack is likely to sit at the base of the midfield, with John Lundstram and Nicolas Raskin playing in front of him. Cantwell should operate in his natural no.10 position and support a front two of Rabi Matondo and Sakala.
The latter has been one of the key performers for Rangers since Beale’s arrival in November, but will be keen to add to his nine goals so far this season.
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