Rangers early predicted XI vs Hearts - Nicolas Raskin returns, deadline-day signing starts

Rangers still have a few more days to wait before they return to league action, and they are set to face Hearts in a tough clash at Ibrox.

Russell Martin is yet to win a Scottish Premiership match, and is under huge pressure to improve results after a nightmare start.

Rangers drew 0-0 with Celtic in their last game, but have since added two more players on transfer deadline day, with Derek Cornelius and Youssef Chermiti joining.

Hearts have had a strong start to the season, and will be eyeing up the opportunity to kick Rangers while they are down with a win at Ibrox.

Derek Cornelius to start against Hearts

Rangers will make changes in order to spark life into the team, and an obvious one to make would be handing a full debut to Cornelius.

Cornelius will be able to slot straight into the back line alongside John Souttar, replacing Nasser Djiga after some poor displays.

There could also be a change in midfield, as Nicolas Raskin could come back into the side after being sidelined by Martin.

Connor Barron was a surprising inclusion in the Old Firm, but he could drop out already if Raskin returns after a move away did not materialise.

Mikey Moore may drop out, with Djeidi Gassama moving to the left and Oliver Antman coming back in, with Bojan Miovski set to lead the line.

Rangers predicted XI vs Hearts: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma, Raskin, Diomande, Antman, Aasgaard, Gassama, Miovski.

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Rangers simply must beat Hearts

If Rangers are to accomplish anything in the league this season, they simply must beat Hearts and start getting some points on the board.

Anything other than a victory could spell the point of no return for the under-pressure Martin, and the atmosphere at Ibrox could reach its most toxic level in years if Rangers fail to beat the Edinburgh side.

The new arrivals could make an impact, while Miovski will hope to score his first goal for the club after being thrown straight in against Celtic.

Rangers have been defensively porous and stale in attack under Martin, and the best way of responding to their poor start would be to record a convincing win and clean sheet.

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