Allan McGregor and Ryan Jack to be axed – Rangers predicted XI v Hearts
Michael Beale could look to make some changes to his Rangers starting lineup for their trip to face Hearts at Tynecastle Stadium on Wednesday.
The Gers claimed a 2-0 win over St Johnstone on Saturday thanks to goals from James Tavernier and Glen Kamara, to take Beale’s record to nine wins from ten games since taking over as manager.
But with a hectic schedule in the second half of the season, the boss could look to make a couple of changes to keep his team fresh for a game against an in-form Hearts side.
Beale has given his goalkeepers a chance to each claim the number one shirt this season, and after McGregor got the nod at the weekend that could be a sign that McLaughlin gets picked in this game.
The Rangers back four currently selects itself, not just because of fitness issues in the back line but because the team is performing so well and that’s unlikely to change again.
Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Borna Barisic have put together a solid unit and provide all the attributes that Beale is a fan of in his defence and have justified their place as starters.
In midfield Beale has limited options currently, and it’s unclear if imminent arrival Nicolas Raskin will be available to play.
After narrowly avoiding a red card and then being substituted at half-time, Jack is likely to start on the bench with John Lundstram starting alongside Kamara in the heart of the midfield.
In attack we finally saw Beale’s preferred attacking lineup and the team performed well, despite Todd Cantwell’s limited training with his new teammates.
Malik Tillman and Ryan Kent are sure-fire starters when fit on the right and in the number ten role, and as the boss looks to get Cantwell up to speed he’s likely to start ahead of Fashion Sakala once again.
Up front Alfredo Morelos’ performances continue to improve with more game time, and with Antonio Colak yet to impress in his limited game time under Beale the Colombian should get a start yet again.
Rangers XI v Hearts: McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic; Lundstram, Kamara; Tillman, Kent, Cantwell; Morelos
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