Sport

Expected Rangers XI vs Hibs and team news as Philippe Clement expected to rotate

Published

9 months ago

March 9, 2024

This run of games can’t be easy on the Rangers team but Philippe Clement insists they are “200 per cent” ready to go again on Sunday.

The 2-2 Europa League draw with Benfica on Thursday will have taken a lot of energy out of them but there is no time for relaxation with the small matter of a tasty looking Scottish Cup tie against Hibs at Easter Road. The Ibrox men want to keep fighting on all fronts and have a chance at as much silverware as possible, so this is a big one.

Clement knows his players and if he says they remain raring to go, they likely are. But he has also shown a willingness to rotate so far and the good thing has been that it’s not resulted in a drop in performance.

It’s probably a safe bet to expect at least some changes to the XI and Football Scotland has attempted to predict how they will line up against the Hibees.

Jack Butland

The England hopeful once again turned in a strong display, with a string of saves to keep Benfica at bay.
James Tavernier

The captain wasn’t as involved going forward as usual in Lisbon but put in a committed shift and will hope to be back to his creative best here.
Connor Goldson

Unlucky with the own goal in what was an otherwise good performance. Has the mentality to bounce back.
Leon Balogun

Might be time to rest John Souttar after a run of games, especially with his injury history. Balogun an able replacement.
Borna Barisic
Barisic has been rotated in at times recently and this could be another opportunity for him.
2. Nico Raskin
  
  Will be champing at the bit to get back into the side and impress after recent cameos.
3. John Lundstram
  
  Seemed a bit off colour in the Europa League match but has really dominated games domestically.
4. Ross McCausland
  Got the closing minutes out in Lisbon so should be fit for a longer run-out.
  
  This run of games can’t be easy on the Rangers team but Philippe Clement insists they are “200 per cent” ready to go again on Sunday.
  
  The 2-2 Europa League draw with Benfica on Thursday will have taken a lot of energy out of them but there is no time for relaxation with the small matter of a tasty looking Scottish Cup tie against Hibs at Easter Road. The Ibrox men want to keep fighting on all fronts and have a chance at as much silverware as possible, so this is a big one.
  
  Clement knows his players and if he says they remain raring to go, they likely are. But he has also shown a willingness to rotate so far and the good thing has been that it’s not resulted in a drop in performance.
  
  It’s probably a safe bet to expect at least some changes to the XI and Football Scotland has attempted to predict how they will line up against the Hibees.
  
  Mohamed Diomande
  
  Diomande had another strong display and Tom Lawrence is unlikely to be asked to go again as Clement continues to try and nurse him through.
  
  Dujon Sterling
  
  On form and the fans are loving him. Confidence will have soared further after his first ever goal.
  
  Fabio Silva
  
  Cyriel Dessers faded the other night and so may need a rest. Silva was handed a start on the left flank but could be asked to move back through the middle.