Russell Martin to do something he’s never done with Rangers starting XI vs Hibernian
Russell Martin has to take chances as Rangers face Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup on Saturday.
The Scottish manager is arguably on the brink of getting sacked at the Gers, and a win against David Gray’s team at Ibrox is needed on 20 September.
Kevin Thelwell is already getting enquiries from head coaches to replace Martin, but the Light Blues are entirely behind the former Southampton boss right now.
With Hibs dangerous from set-pieces, supporters may see the 39-year-old head coach do something unorthodox against them.
Rangers to play three centre-backs against Hibernian
Martin could potentially opt to play three centre-backs in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.
The Scottish manager has mostly relied on a 4-2-3-1 formation or a similar iteration during his spell at Ibrox.
Barry Ferguson did play three at the back during his interim reign at the Light Blues, but the ex-Saints boss seems to be more rigid with his progressive style of play.
- Martin has a 25 per cent win rate at the Gers.
- The Light Blues haven’t won any of their last five games.
- The Glaswegian outfit have conceded 19 goals so far this season.
However, while Martin has never played three centre-backs during his time at the Gers, the game against Hibernian may be the perfect opportunity to do so, with Emmanuel Fernandez, John Souttar and Derek Cornelius in the backline.
Hibs’ xG from set-pieces in the William Hill Premiership is 0.79 per 90 minutes, which is almost double what the next best Hearts have amassed, as per The Rangers Review.
Also, only three teams in the league have a higher chance value defending set-pieces than the Glaswegian outfit, making defensive solidity key for the Edinburgh outfit’s trip to Ibrox.
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Russell Martin should be sacked regardless of Hibernian result
Martin’s sacking at Ibrox seems inevitable as the situation has reached a point where it feels like he has ‘one game to save his job’.
Rangers fans may change Andrew Cavenagh’s mind, as he may be able to witness first-hand the vitriol in G51 against the Scottish manager in the Premier Sports Cup tie.
While the ex-Saints boss looks to be out of his depth at the Gers, the least he can do is help them qualify for the semi-finals of the competition before eventually leaving.
The Light Blues’ prospects in the league already look bleak, and they should be looking to make a push to win other domestic titles.
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