Preview: Hibernian vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

While the hosts have picked up eight points from their last 12 available, the visitors are seeking to claim maximum points for the third successive game.

Match preview

Hibernian managed to extend their unbeaten league run to four matches last weekend, although they were left to rue a number of missed opportunities in a goalless draw at Aberdeen.

The Cabbage had scored in each of their previous seven away games heading to Pittodrie, but an inspired goalkeeping display from Kelle Roos, who saved a 79th-minute penalty from Kevin Nisbet, forced the visitors to settle for a share of the spoils.

Lee Johnson's side remain in contention to secure a top-four finish and qualify for Europe as they sit fifth in the Premiership table at the time of writing, just one point behind Edinburgh rivals Hearts in fourth with three games remaining.

Hibs enter Sunday's contest having failed to win any of their last 18 league meetings with Rangers, losing 12 and drawing six, while they have not beaten the Gers in the top flight on home soil since claiming a 2-1 victory back in September 2006 under former boss Paul Le Guen.

Such a record bodes well for Michael Beale's side who are in high spirits after securing a 3-0 Old Firm derby triumph over champions Celtic at Ibrox last weekend.

After failing to win each of his first four Old Firm derbies in all competitions this term, Beale tasted success at the fifth time of asking as goals from Todd Cantwell, John Souttar and Fashion Sakala earned the bragging rights and ended the Hoops' 34-game unbeaten domestic run.

Rangers are guaranteed to finish second in the Premiership table and they are merely playing for pride in their final three fixtures, but they will look to claim at least five points to ensure they better last season's points total of 89.

The Gers came from behind to secure a 4-1 victory over Hibs in their last visit to Easter Road in March, although they head to Edinburgh on Sunday seeking to avoid a third straight away defeats after losing to both Celtic and Aberdeen in April.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

W

D

W

D

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

W

L

W

L

W

W

Rangers form (all competitions):

L

W

L

L

W

W

Team News

Hibs trio Martin Boyle, Aiden McGeady and Kyle Magennis all remain longer-term absentees, while Rocky Bushiri, who has not represented the senior side since January due to injury, could be in contention to return after playing for 60 minutes in a development squad match on Monday.

After missing last weekend's game due to concussion, midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes is expected to return to the starting lineup at the expense of Josh Campbell, while the rest of Johnson's first XI is set to remain intact.

As for Rangers, Beale has revealed that centre-back Connor Goldson is an injury doubt, while Ben Davies, Ryan Kent, Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe, Tom Lawrence, Steven Davis, Filip Helander and Nnamdi Ofoborh all remain in the treatment room.

The potential absence of Goldson will likely see Leon King deputise at centre-back, joining Souttar, James Tavernier and Ridvan Yilmaz in the back four.

The Gers announced on Friday that Ryan Jack has penned a new one-year contract extension, and the midfielder is expected to continue in the first XI alongside John Lundstram and Nicolas Raskin, while Alfredo Morelos will be pushing to start in attack ahead of Sakala.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Egan-Riley, Fish, Hanlon, Stevenson; Jeggo; Cadden, Doyle-Hayes, Newell, Youan; Nisbet

Rangers possible starting lineup:

McCrorie; Tavernier, King, Souttar, Yilmaz; Lundstram, Jack, Raskin; Cantwell, Sakala, Wright

We say: Hibernian 2-3 Rangers

Considering at least four goals have been scored in all three previous meetings between the two sides this season, another entertaining end-to-end contest could be in store at Easter Road this weekend.

Previews by email