Rangers take on Hibernian in a Scottish Premiership top of the table clash in what is sure to be a closely fought contest, home advantage almost being cancelled out by Jack Ross having a whole week to prepare his tactics and his team.
Steven Gerrard would obviously prefer to go into the game with a fully fit squad but will, reluctantly, be getting used to not having various first-team players available, he does, however, have to pick his strongest XI with so much at stake ahead of another international break.
Hibs should be a little more open than some of the teams we have faced recently but it also wouldn’t surprise me if they sit deeper and try to utilise the pace of Martin Boyle against a defence that has struggled to cope with the relatively simple tactic of firing long balls in behind.
I’d expect the gaffer to pick as strong a team as possible with this being the XI to get the job done:
Having Connor Goldson missing in mid-week was a blow but it was the correct decision to not risk him so that he is available for this game, hopefully he will take his place in our strongest defence available, Allan McGregor continuing in goals.
John Lundstram has impressed recently and I think his energy was missing in midfield in mid-week, bringing him back in would allow Joe Aribo to line up in his best position, we looked good for the first half hour against the Czech’s until he had to drop deeper into midfield to replace Juninho Bacuna.
There’s also something not quite right in attack, playing with two strikers just doesn’t seem to be working, either Ianis Hagi or Scott Wright could be in line to start, the Romanian international having a good record against Hibs.
We are due a good performance and for out forwards to start scoring goals, this weekend would be a great time for Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos to rediscover their scoring touch but I’ve a feeling on of them will start on the bench. another three points would put us in a great position heading into a packed fixture schedule on the other side of the break.