Barry Ferguson predicts Rangers vs Hibernian as starting XI experiment mooted
Russell Martin will certainly be looking to turn things around at Rangers with a win over Hibernian on Saturday.
David Gray’s team travel to Ibrox on 20 September for the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final as the Scottish manager is on thin ice after an abysmal start to the season.
Andrew Cavenagh will be in the stands supporting Martin, but fan fury in G51 could potentially change his stance on backing the former Southampton boss.
With the 39-year-old head coach fighting for his job at the Glaswegian outfit, the atmosphere will certainly be tense, which makes the prospect of a win even more challenging.
Russell Martin to change Rangers formation in win vs Hibernian
Barry Ferguson expects a “tight” game between the Gers and Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup.
The Light Blues icon believes Martin may decide to make a tactical tweak at Ibrox with a different formation against Hibs.
While Ferguson realises the Glaswegian outfit face a tough test, he expects them to come out on top with a 2-1 victory.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 19 September, the ex-midfielder said: “I think it’s going to be a tight game. I think there will be a couple of goals in it, but Martin and the players understand that they have to get that first under their belt in terms of making sure they are in the hat for the semi-final. It’s going to be tense at times.
“This is when you look at the big characters to pull you through that. And I do fancy Rangers to win. And I gave you what maybe he might go with: a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. But who knows? Whoever’s on that pitch needs to produce the goods. So I’m going to go Rangers 2-1 Hibs.”
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Hibernian win may not be enough for Russell Martin at Ibrox
Martin’s sacking at Ibrox seems inevitable, as a loss at any moment in the coming weeks could potentially lead to his sacking.
A win against Hibernian doesn’t guarantee the Scottish manager’s survival in G51, as fans have had enough of him.
The supporters wanted to see a change in the Glaswegian outfit’s dugout right after being humiliated by Club Brugge in the Champions League.
| Last three matches vs Hibernian | Result |
| 5 January 2025 | 3-3 away draw |
| 5 April 2025 | 2-0 home loss |
| 17 May 2025 | 2-2 away draw |
Cavenagh has decided to back Martin at Rangers, but it remains to be seen how long they will stick by him.
The ex-Saints boss looks out of his depth at the Gers, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a replacement being hired sooner rather than later.
With the Light Blues winless against Hibs in their last three meetings, Gray’s team will arguably be seen as favourites to qualify for the semi-final.
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