Rangers predicted XI vs Hearts – Nicolas Raskin forgotten as new signing starts
Rangers will face Hearts in a must-win game for Russell Martin on Saturday, and there are several key decisions which need to be made.
Martin could be facing the sack if Rangers fail to win at Ibrox, with toxicity levels set to reach a new high if fans are greeted with another poor performance.
Rangers have strengthened since their goalless draw with Celtic before the International break, and one of their latest new signings is in line to make his debut.
Derek McInnes’ side are in excellent form and will be tough to beat, and all the pressure is on Rangers to deliver.
Rangers to continue without Nicolas Raskin
Martin has had a rift with Nicolas Raskin, who was left out in the Celtic game completely, and the situation is getting worse.
Raskin was Rangers’ best player last season, and the reported fallout comes as he scored in a start for Belgium, despite being unable to start for a club who have failed to win in the league.
Martin has now confirmed that Raskin will not be in the squad to face Hearts, in a surprising move which could backfire massively, and Connor Barron could continue in his place.
Youssef Chermiti and Derek Cornelius arrived on deadline day, and the latter is set to come straight into the starting XI.
Cornelius’ arrival could see John Souttar move to a role at right-centre-back, while Martin is unlikely to throw Chermiti into such a difficult game.
Rangers predicted XI vs Hearts: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma, Barron, Diomande, Aasgaard, Antman, Miovski, Gassama.
Bojan Miovski to start over Youssef Chermiti
Despite Chermiti arriving as Rangers’ most expensive summer transfer ever, Bojan Miovski is set to start as the more experienced option.
Miovski was thrown straight into the team against Celtic, having just arrived from Girona two days before, but is an accomplished striker in Scotland, having impressed with Aberdeen.
Chermiti will likely need a few substitute appearances to get going before he can start, and Martin is almost certainly going to choose the more ready and proven option to try and break down the Hearts’ defence.
Mikey Moore is likely to drop out of the starting XI again, and it is hoped that Thelo Aasgaard can pick up where he left off after scoring four times in 26 minutes for Norway.
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