Michael Beale has not had it easy since taking over as Rangers manager, the trip to Tynecastle making it seven away games out of his first XI in charge and this one will be just as much of a test as the Old Firm derby at Ibrox.
Robbie Neilson’s side are, comfortably, the third best team in the country, a point that the Gers gaffer was quick to make earlier this week and even contacted the Hearts boss to say as much – it might have been Aberdeen when Beale was here before but it certainly isn’t now.
All Rangers can do is keep focussing on improving the performances and keep winning games in the hope that Celtic slip up or have a dip in form and this is who I think Beale will go with to get the job done:
I’m never a fan of having two more defence-minded midfielders playing together, however, this is one of a few venues where I think it is necessary. You have to win the midfield battle first and foremost if you want to control the game and the tempo. Even if Nicolas Raskin’s clearance comes through in time, his lack of action since the World Cup means that he will be on the bench at best.
Ryan Jack’s more combative style might get him the nod, however, Glen Kamara played well against St Johnstone and he should keep his place as a result. A bench that has Raskin, Ianis Hagi and Todd Cantwell is starting to look an awful lot stronger though.
The manager has spoken about playing Alfredo Morelos and Antonio Colak together with the big Croatian confirming that it is something that they have worked on in training. I just can’t see it though and would expect Fashion Sakala to come back into the team at the expense of Cantwell. He played well on his debut but is short of match time, Sakala’s pace behind will also be more of a threat on the counter attack.
Against St Johnstone we got away with one lapse in concentration, against Hearts we won’t be as lucky. Tynecastle is a difficult place to go so, we will have to be at our best and picking up all three points would be a great boost heading into a month that could end with us lifting silverware.