Aaron Ramsey to get chance at redemption, Kemar Roofe returns – Rangers predicted XI v Hearts
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is predicted to make four changes from his Europa League final starting line-up as Rangers face Hearts at Hampden Park.
After 120 minutes and penalties the Gers came back from Seville empty-handed from an emotional night, but have to get back up for the Scottish Cup final.
It was a draining occasion physically and mentally, so some changes are certain, and in the context of events on Wednesday, plus the fact Saturday’s clash is the last game of the season the Dutchman should make four changes.
He announced at his pre-match press conference that the only player from the European exertions that was ruled out was left-back Borna Barisic, so midweek stand-out Calvin Bassey should shift over with Leon Balogun partnering Connor Goldson in the centre.
Barring a major sentimental change of heart, cup keeper Jon McLaughlin will come in for Allan McGregor in goal.
Aaron Ramsey stands to be given a chance for redemption in his final game for the club, after his penalty miss was the difference in Seville, so he starts with John Lundstram and Ryan Jack in midfield.
With nothing left to save him for and the team shorn of a cutting edge without him, Kemar Roofe should be put back in the line-up as striker, with Ryan Kent and goalscorer on Wednesday Joe Aribo either side.
Glen Kamara and Scott Wright are unlucky to drop out, but the Finn played longer in the Spanish heat than Jack, and Big John looks to be an undroppable figure now.
The likes of Scott Arfield, Fashion Sakala and Steven Davis are likely to get a look-in off the bench, while teenager Alex Lowry was name-dropped by van Bronckhorst ahead of the game as likely to feature also.
The game at Hampden is one final chance to come out of this rollercoaster season with a trophy, so the Bears squad has to throw everything they have left at it before a summer that will likely see it broken up.
In other Rangers news, Ryanair trolled the club’s fans on Twitter after the European heartbreak.