Hibernian v Rangers preview: Team news, head-to-head, line-ups, where to watch
Phillipe Clement could build upon the momentum gained with the huge win over Celtic when Rangers travel to Hibernian on Sunday.
The Belgian manager had been under huge pressure to keep his job at Ibrox but has now been granted a stay of execution after the 3-0 Glasgow Derby win and will hope to continue that momentum at Easter Road (5 January).
Despite tasting a victory against the Bhoys for the first time under Clement in his seven attempts, the Gers are still 11 points behind the league leaders.
Preview
The Light Blues head into this contest looking to put the pressure on Celtic after a historic result last time out.
However, after a loss to St. Mirren and a draw with Motherwell in the two games before that has left their hopes of Scottish Premiership title race in tatters.
It is still a case of damage limitation until the Gers show that they can win matches consistently and the Bhoys start to drop points.
The gap to Brendan Rodgers’ side is still astronomical and it is unlikely to be bridged this season but Clement has earned himself time to turn things around.
The hosts come into the clash unbeaten in their last five after a 3-0 defeat to the league leaders with four wins and a draw, so could pose a big threat to the Ibrox side.
Form Guide (Scottish Premiership)
Hibernian: DWWWWL
Rangers: WDLWWW
Head-To-Head (Scottish Premiership)
Rangers 1-0 Hibernian (September 2024)
Rangers 3-1 Hibernian (March 2024)
Hibernian 0-3 Rangers (January 2024)
Rangers 4-0 Hibernian (October 2023)
Hibernian 1-3 Rangers (May 2023)
Hibernian 1-4 Rangers (March 2023)
Team News
The hosts are expected to be missing Kieron Bowie, Marvin Ekpiteta and Mykola Kukharevych for the clash with the Gers.
Clement’s side are expected to be without Jack Butland, James Tavernier, John Souttar, Leon Balogun, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Tom Lawrence for the contest at Easter Road.
The Belgian might make two changes to the side that beat Celtic with Connor Barron and Danilo replacing Mohamed Diomande and Hamza Igamane in the starting line-up.
Predicted lineups
Hibernian: Smith, Miller, Kiranga, Iredale, C Cadden, Triantis, Kwon, N Cadden, Campbell, Boyle, Gayle
Rangers: Kelly, Yilmaz, Sterling, Propper, Jefte, Raskin, Barron, Bajrami, Cerny, Hagi, Danilo
Where to watch?
The contest will be screened on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Football channels from 11 am GMT.
Prediction: Hibernian 0-2 Rangers
The Gers will have momentum in their favour after an absolutely huge victory against Celtic.
While Hibernian may be on a strong run of form their record against the Light Blues in recent years does not inspire hope ahead of his clash.
Clement’s side should come out on top.
In other Rangers news, the club have been linked with a £650,000 move for a midfielder.
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