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Rangersvs.Hibernian

sportsmole.co.uk, 28 March 2024, 12:00
Rangers play host to Hibernian on Saturday afternoon looking for the victory that will move them back to the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.

Meanwhile, a much-improved Hibs side are bidding to extend their recent unbeaten streak as they bid to remain in the first six positions before the cut-off.

Match preview

Although Rangers voiced their frustration at the late postponement of their game at Dundee before the international break, Philippe Clement may have been grateful for an extended rest.

During the first half of March, the Glasgow giants had under-performed on occasions, most notably losing 2-1 at home to Motherwell.

Going down 3-2 to Benfica in the last 16 of the Europa League was no disgrace, yet Rangers twice led on aggregate and would lose 1-0 at Ibrox.

While Clement and his players may have wanted to atone for that setback on the continent at Dundee, some of this squad will now have had a 16-day break from action once they take to the pitch on Saturday.

Rangers also possess a game in hand on leaders Celtic with one point the current deficit, Clement recognising that only a win will do here ahead of next weekend's Old Firm derby.

Opponents Hibs have only suffered one defeat in their last eight matches in all competitions, that coming at home to Rangers in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, Nick Montgomery will be more than satisfied with his team's efforts in the league, a total of 12 points being collected from their last six games.

Notably, neither Rangers or Celtic feature on that run, yet three successive wins have been recorded at Easter Road and three consecutive draws been posted on their travels.

That said, earlier in the season, Hibs went down 4-0 to Rangers at Ibrox, while their aggregate scoreline against this opponent during the season is 0-9 across three matches in all competitions.

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

W

W

W

L

Rangers form (all competitions):

W

W

L

D

W

L

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

D

W

D

W

D

W

Hibernian form (all competitions):

W

D

W

L

D

W

Team News

While Dujon Sterling may be in a position to return for Rangers, the likes of Oscar Cortes, Ross McCausland and Abdallah Sima are all expected to miss out.

Depending on how players return from international duty, the same team could be named from the Benfica game, but there are several players pushing for a recall.

Todd Cantwell and Rabbi Matondo both fall into that category, while Nicolas Raskin is an option in midfield.

Barring any fresh injury issues, Montgomery may be prepared to select the same Hibs starting lineup from the win over Livingston.

Of the players who started that fixture, only Myziane Maolida went away on international duty, while Josh Campbell, Jake Doyle-Hayes and Martin Boyle have used the break to continue their efforts to return from injury.

Rangers possible starting lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Yilmaz; Diomande, Lundstram; Wright, Lawrence, Silva; Dessers

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Cadden, Fish, Bushiri, Obita; Triantis, Newell; Youan, Marcondes, Maolida; Le Fondre

We say: Rangers 3-1 Hibernian

Hibs would not have wanted the international break to arrive and it remains to be seen whether they can retain their level upon the resumption. As for Rangers, they arguably needed the rest period after a relentless run of games, and they will expect to be back close to their best form here.

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