Rangers predicted line-ups as Alfredo Morelos and Ben Davies tipped for Hearts starts

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men take on third-placed Hearts at Tynecastle with the Jambos looking to go level with the Light Blues with a win of their own.

But just who should start the match?

Our writers select their Rangers XIs.

Derek Clark

The 'who should start in goal?' debate continues to rage on with Jon McLaughlin returning to fitness following a spell out injured. Allan McGregor has done nothing to justify being dropped and given his experience in games like this, he just shades it for me. That being said, Giovanni van Bronckhorst feels McLaughlin is his No.1 this term so it would be no surprise to see him back between the sticks.

The defence more than likely picks itself with the only real question mark being whether James Sands partners Connor Goldson given the American is suspended for the trip to Anfield in midweek and that Ben Davies, who arrived from Liverpool for big money in the summer, is ready to play. Leon King may also be a contender as he has featured often of late but Sands may just edge it based on the fact he has played the majority of the season thus far at the heart of the defence.

The engine room will be key to acquiring a positive result from Gorgie. It’s vital Rangers win the battle in midfield and the two likely players entrusted with doing so would be John Lundstram and Ryan Jack. With Jack playing for Scotland in midweek, it remains to be seen if he is fit enough but if he is he should get the nod ahead of the likes of Glen Kamara or Steven Davis.

In front of them, with Tom Lawrence still out injured it’s likely Malik Tillman will occupy that central attacking midfield role behind the striker. Ryan Kent is likely to start on the left despite his poor form and I’d be inclined to start Scott Arfield on the right. He is well versed in these fixtures and his energy will be key.

Up top, Antonio Colak should lead the line given he is in a rich scoring vein of form. Alfredo Morelos does love these games but it’s highly unlikely the Croatian will drop to the bench.

Predicted line-up: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Sands, Barisic, Lundstram, Jack, Kent, Tillman, Arfield, Colak.

Rangers Review Newsletter (Image: Rangers Review)

Joshua Barrie

With no Tom Lawrence return, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has a big call to make at the top of midfield. But significant decisions aren’t exclusive to that area. Will Jon McLaughlin return in goals, who partners Connor Goldson at the back and will any of Ridvan Yilmaz, Ben Davies and Rabbi Matondo start?

McLaughlin will likely be reinstated despite McGregor’s penalty antics against Napoli just prior to the international break. He may not be the only change in the defence. Davies should make his second league start with an eye on Tuesday’s trip to Liverpool, with James Sands suspended for that Champions League tie.

John Lundstram is a certainty in the middle with Ryan Jack likely his midfield partner. Hopefully, Malik Tillman will return at the top of midfield to supply some much-needed goal threat and creativity.

As the Rangers Review wrote last week, van Bronckhorst’s preference to play with two wingers has always been hampered by personnel and circumstance. Matondo and Ryan Kent need to play together soon although at Tynecastle, Scott Arfield’s inclusion from the right is more likely. Alfredo Morelos should spearhead the attack. Although Antonio Colak has started superbly in the league, Morelos’ superior ability to hold the ball and occupy defenders can make the difference against Hearts.

Predicted line-up: McLaughlin, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Jack, Arfield, Tillman, Kent, Morelos.