Russell Martin has Rangers priority vs Hearts, Ibrox could get even more toxic
Rangers fans may not be looking forward to seeing their team play against Hearts on Saturday.
Derek McInnes’ team will travel to Ibrox on 13 September in the William Hill Premiership, with the Jambos six points clear of the Gers.
Kevin Thelwell has left himself in a tough spot with Russell Martin, backing the Scottish manager despite the worst start to a league campaign in 42 years.
Many supporters in G51 have already lost faith in the former Southampton boss after just 11 games in charge at the Glaswegian outfit, and he may have just one priority going into the Hearts game.
Rangers must win against Hearts
If the Gers don’t win against Hearts, the atmosphere in G51 could get even more toxic, Andy Walker says.
The former Celtic star believes the Light Blues need to build on their performances in the Old Firm derby, having gotten a draw against Brendan Rodgers’ team at Ibrox.
Walker feels the Bears have a massive game ahead of them, and it’s “absolutely essential” they get a winning mentality by beating the Jambos.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 9 September, the Scotsman said: “It’s a massive game. If Rangers win it, they’re back on track in terms of getting a winning mentality back, if you like, building on that Celtic performance, even though it wasn’t a win. Absolutely essential that they win at the weekend because if they don’t, it will be even more toxic at Ibrox.”
Read More: Celtic have left door open for Russell Martin despite calamity
Ibrox starting lineup: Who will start for Russell Martin vs Hearts
Martin risks fan mutiny at Ibrox against Hearts if the Gers can’t show improvements immediately in the opening minutes of the match.
The Scottish manager has a no-brainer decision with Jack Butland in goal and his defensive line, which should consist of James Tavernier, John Souttar, Derek Cornelius and Jayden Meghoma.
In the middle of the park, Martin should resolve his issues with Nicolas Raskin and play him in the number six position, with Mohamed Diomande and Lyall Cameron making up the engine room.
- The Gers are six points behind Hearts in the league.
- Martin oversaw the Light Blues’ joint-worst defeat in the Champions League, losing 9-1 on aggregate to Club Brugge.
- The Scottish manager has a 27 per cent win rate at the Glaswegian outfit.
Rangers have two new strikers on their books, and despite the significant fee spent on Youssef Chermiti, Bojan Miovski’s experience will certainly come in handy against Hearts.
Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama should start on the wings, with the duo standing out among their teammates this season.
It feels like make or break for Martin at Ibrox, and there may be no room for errors on Saturday.
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