December 22, 2024

Philippe Clement could make three changes to his Rangers starting lineup for the final SPFL game of the season against Hearts on Saturday 18 May.

The Gers came from 2-0 down to beat Dundee 5-2 in their final Ibrox clash in midweek, while Hearts were held to a 2-2 draw with St Mirren in their last game.

Neither side has anything to play for in this game outside of pride, but with a Scottish Cup final against Celtic to come next week Clement will surely have one eye on that game with his starting eleven.

Borna Barisic to make final Rangers appearance v Hearts

Jack Butland is likely to continue between the sticks in what could be his final league game for the club amid reports he wants to leave and could be sold to help fund a rebuild at Ibrox this summer.

In defence the team is quite short on options. Dujon Sterling and John Souttar missed the win over Dundee with a knock while Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson have also been ruled out.

That means James Tavernier should continue at right-back while Leon King and Ben Davies get the nod in the middle, but after Ridvan Yilmaz started against Dundee and was replaced by youngster Robbie Fraser during the game this is a chance for Borna Barisic to get to say his goodbyes with a start at left-back ahead of a mooted move to Turkey [Sabah Spor].

In midfield John Lundstram remains suspended which should see Nico Raskin and Mohammed Diomane get the nod in central midfield, with the Belgian battling to keep his place for the cup final with another good performance.

Young Ross McCausland should start at Tynecastle after his goal in the same game helped fuel the comeback, while Scott Wright, who came off the bench against Dundee, could have a chance from the start.

Todd Cantwell shone in the game but could be rested to avoid any injuries ahead of the cup final, which would allow Tom Lawrence to get another start in the number ten role.

Up front Cyriel Dessers is sure to start the final after hitting five goals in his last five games, but this will provide a chance for Fabio Silva to move into his natural position despite the fact he doesn’t plan on returning to Ibrox next season.

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