Antonio Colak to be axed, Alfredo Morelos to return to the side – Rangers predicted XI v Hibernian
Michael Beale is likely to try and keep the momentum going for Rangers this week when they face Hibernian at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership.
The Gers ensured they didn’t fall further behind league leaders Celtic with a dominant 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Saturday (4 March), but now face a much sterner test on the road.
After a poor Viaplay Cup final the week before though, Rangers must ensure they find themselves building up momentum once again and Beale’s team selection is likely to play a big part in that.
The boss stuck with Allan McGregor despite the cup final defeat, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t keep his place in the side once more here.
The defence also continues to pick itself, with James Tavernier and Connor Goldson both finding the back of the net against Kilmarnock while Borna Barisic and Ben Davies continued on the left of the defence.
John Souttar made a late appearance as a substitute, but it’s likely to be too early for him to start and he’s more likely to have a place on the bench for this fixture.
In midfield Nicolas Raskin has impressed greatly since joining in January and has now established himself as the first-choice central midfielder with some excellent performances.
His partner’s position is up for grabs though with Glen Kamara, John Lundstram and Ryan Jack all battling out for a starting spot, but it’s the Scotland international who seems most likely to get the nod.
Kamara and Lundstram were poor in the cup final and when replaced by Raskin and Jack as a partnership the team’s level rose. They complimented each other similarly on Saturday, and that should help them both keep their place.
In attack there are injury problems for Beale with Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence ruled out for the foreseeable future, but he still has options.
Fashion Sakala found the back of the net from the wing and played well enough to keep his place with Malik Tillman ruled out of the midweek clash, while Todd Cantwell was many people’s pick for man of the match.
Ryan Kent’s position is seemingly locked in under Beale so he will begin in his number ten position once again, but there could be a change of striker.
Antonio Colak got the start at the weekend and performed well despite failing to get on the scoresheet, and earned praise from Beale. But without a goal, he could still lose his place.
Alfredo Morelos has been in a rich vein of form in recent weeks and after being left out at the weekend he will be fresh and ready to come in for this big game to lead the line once again.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale has dropped his biggest hint yet that one player could join Rangers in the summer.