Seven changes, Alfredo Morelos to start – Rangers predicted XI vs Hibernian
Rangers look to continue their 100% record in the Scottish Premiership this weekend when they face Hibernian at Ibrox, with one eye on PSV Eindhoven.
The Gers have claimed wins over Livingston, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone so far this season to sit level at the top of the league only behind Celtic on goal difference.
But following the 2-2 draw with PSV in the Champions League qualifier in midweek and the second leg to come in the Netherlands on Wednesday, Giovanni van Bronckhorst could have one eye on that game when he picks his team for this game on Saturday lunchtime.
Jon McLaughlin is likely to keep his place in goal after establishing himself as the new number one at the club, despite Allan McGregor’s decision not to retire after all in the summer
James Tavernier penned a new long-term deal this week and the skipper continues to lead the way with the standards at the club. He will continue at right-back, simply because there aren’t many options to replace him right now.
Alongside him Connor Goldson is likely to start too as the most senior and best centre-back at the club, but his partner is likely to be Ben Davies once again instead of James Sands as the boss tries to find his best new partnership.
At left-back Borna Barisic has been the first-choice option so far this season, but this represents a good opportunity to use summer signing Ridvan Yilmaz from the start to get some minutes into his legs.
In midfield the boss has options once again. John Lundstram has started every game so far this season so could be afforded a break, with Ryan Jack coming into his place in the base of the midfield.
Alongside him Steven Davis started at Ibrox in midweek, and if that’s the boss’ plan once again for the second leg then Glen Kamara is likely to come into the side to offer a balance for the midfield.
In attack this is another opportunity for some players to get a rest and others to get some much needed minutes too. Scott Wright has been a good option on the right and could get the nod again with Tom Lawrence getting a break.
On the left Ryan Kent hasn’t been himself so far this season and after suffering an injury not long ago, this would be a good time to let him rest again and bring summer signing Rabbi Matondo in to strut his stuff and show his quality.
Malik Tillman has arguably been the best performer so far this season and the American is young and hungry to play, so he will continue to start but could be shifted to a central number ten role to be given a bit more freedom.
Up front Antonio Colak has scored in each of his last four games, but Colombian Alfredo Morelos is eager to get back to full fitness and this would be a great opportunity to give him a run out so he is sharp if needed to be called upon in midweek.
Rangers predicted XI vs Hibernian: McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Yilmaz; Jack, Kamara; Wright, Tillman, Matondo; Morelos
In other Rangers news, the club are set for a “crazy” end to the transfer window but this man won’t be involved in the incomings