GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
During the weekend, Rangers and St Mirren squared off, and Abdallah Sima’s brace helped them get back on track. The Light Blues remain well behind Celtic in the Premiership race, even though they have a game in hand. If they don’t improve at Tynecastle, the midweek match against Hearts could cause them much more suffering.
The Jamtarts have won four straight games since their loss to the Rangers a little more than a month ago, and they are having an incredible league run. The Jambos must be desperate for a win when they visit Philippe Clement’s formidable team on Wednesday night because the Gers also eliminated them from the League Cup semifinal a week later.
Estimated 4-2-3-1 Rangers Formation Against Hearts Defense
Against the Saints, Jack Butland recorded a clean sheet and made several crucial saves. When he faces up against Hearts from the final line of defense, he will probably be put to the test once more.
James Tavernier, the captain, needs to keep up his dominance down the right with constant threats from attack while also playing defense more frequently. Borna Barisic is anticipated to be selected ahead of Ridvan Yilmaz, although Connor Goldson’s commanding presence in the middle of the backline makes him indispensable. Leon Balogun might be replaced by John Souttar in opposition to his previous employers.
Midfield
Jose Cifuentes should return to the starting XI and form a ‘double pivot’ alongside John Lundstram. Injuries to Nicolas Raskin, Ryan Jack and Kieran Dowell have decimated the options deep down the midfield.
Despite starting as a ‘number six’ versus St Mirren, Tom Lawrence had the privilege to exhibit his attacking traits under little pressure from the opponents. He won’t be the best fit for that role versus the in-form Hearts, but the gaffer should deploy him as a ‘number 10′ to utilize his creative spark. Ross McCausland is making strides in the senior setup, but a promising display against the Buddies could see Todd Cantwell featuring from the right replacing the Gers’ academy prodigy. Sima has cemented his place down the left even though Rabbi Matondo is back and available for selection. Scott Wright and Sam Lammers are also there to challenge and cover the first-team stars.
Attack
Cyriel Dessers was handed a start on Sunday evening but is likely to be dropped in favour of Danilo after failing to impress. Meanwhile, Kemar Roofe has slipped down the pecking order due to form and fitness reasons.
