Hibernian vs Rangers: Team news, lineups, prediction
Rangers face a quick turnaround as they take on Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday.
Rangers defeated Kilmarnock 3-1 on Sunday, with Danny Rohl securing his first win in charge of the Bears at Ibrox.
On 29 October, Rangers will take on Hibs at Easter Road, and they’ll be hoping to close the 13-point gap on league leaders Hearts.
Rangers will look to secure successive wins for the first time this season, and Ibrox News highlights everything you need to know ahead of the match.
Preview
A win at Ibrox was necessary for Rohl, and goals from Derek Cornelius, Danilo, and Youssef Chermiti secured a comfortable win against Kilmarnock.
Despite Rangers’ 3-0 loss to Brann in the 36-year-old’s first game in charge, there is renewed optimism amongst Light Blues supporters.
The Bears have only won two of their nine matches in the league this season, and it’s imperative that they build on Sunday’s victory.
As for Hibs, they sit third in the Scottish Premiership table and have registered back-to-back league wins under David Gray.
The hosts have scored three against Dundee United and four against Livingston this season, and the Rangers defence will need to be wary of the threat they possess in attack.
Form guide
Hibs (last six all comps): L D D L W W
Rangers (last six all comps): W L D D L W
Head-to-head
Rangers defeated Hibs 2-0 in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on 20 September, and they’ll be looking for revenge on Wednesday.
Hibs did secure a 2-0 win at Ibrox last season whilst Barry Ferguson was in interim charge of Rangers, and they have the potential to cause another upset.
However, history does not favour their chances, with Rangers unbeaten at Easter Road since 2016.
Having only suffered one defeat to Hibs in their last 15 meetings, Rangers should play with a degree of confidence on Wednesday.
- Read more: James Tavernier to sit down with Youssef Chermiti after ‘strange’ Rangers moment vs Kilmarnock
Team news and predicted lineups
Rohl may make several changes from the side that won on Sunday, with Danilo set to retain his starting spot.
Mohamed Diomande was excellent against Kilmarnock, although with games coming thick and fast, rotation wouldn’t be the worst thing ahead of the huge Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Celtic on 2 November.
In regard to injuries, Dujon Sterling and Rabbi Matondo continue to remain sidelined, with the former recovering from a knee injury and the latter dealing with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Rohl will be thankful that he doesn’t have to deal with any new issues, and this should give Rangers no excuses if they fail to beat Hibs.
As for Hibs, they are hampered by injuries, as captain Joe Newell is expected to be unavailable due to a groin injury.
Alasana Maneh is out with a hamstring issue, whilst Warren O’Hora is a doubt after he came off injured against Aberdeen on Sunday.
The cards are firmly stacked against the hosts, and Rangers have all the tools they need to secure another win under Rohl.
Prediction: Hibernian 1-2 Rangers
It’s clear that not only do Rangers need to win the match, but they need to deliver a convincing performance against a team that has momentum behind them.
Danilo could play a crucial role on Wednesday, with the Brazilian striker back in starting contention after being left out consistently by Martin.
In defence, Jack Butland’s mistake against Kilmarnock made Sunday’s match much more tense than it was, and he’ll need to rediscover his form at Easter Road.
Whilst Rangers are still prone to some amateur defending, Rohl has definitely made the side more threatening in attack, and ultimately, they should have too much quality for Hibs.
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