The start of the new Scottish Premiership season is now just hours away, with Hearts and Rangers kicking off the 24/25 campaign at Tynecastle on Saturday (kick off: 12.30pm).
Philippe Clement’s Gers team will head to the capital for a tough task against Steven Naismith’s Jambos just months after they played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in the final game of last season.
With eight new signings in the door at Rangers, the likes of Jefte, Vaclav Cerny, Connor Barron and Hamza Igamane will all be pushing for starts. Rumoured new recruit Robin Pröpper could also be in line for a debut if his transfer is confirmed ahead of the clash.
Rangers target Lawrence Shankland will be expected to start for the oppositon as he looks to carry on from where he left off last season, whereas Gers stars James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers will be unsure of a starting spot following speculation over their Ibrox futures. Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling both missed last weekend’s 4-4 friendly draw with Union Berlin, with former confirmed to have suffered a ‘small muscle issue’. Will he be fit in time?
So how are Rangers likely to line up against Hearts this weekend? The Scotsman predicts how Clement will set his side up for the visit to Gorgie.
5. LB: Ridvan Yilmaz
He beat off competition from Borna Barisic last season to make the left-back slot his own and must do it again this year after the summer signing of defender Jefte. The Turkish defender is important from set-pieces for the Gers and should likely be given the nod to start the season ahead of the Brazilian. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. CM: Connor Barron
Has looked sharp in pre-season and has possibly played himself into the starting XI for the season opener. Will hope to nail down a starting spot and prove himself an adequate replacement for John Lundstram in 24/25. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. CM: Mohamed Diomande
The Ivorian has been extremely impressive since his move to Ibrox in January. Clement knows how pivotal he can be if Rangers are to wrestle the title from Celtic this year. He starts every game when fit. | SNS Group
8. RW: Rabbi Matondo
The battle to see who starts on the right of the front three for Rangers on Saturday should be intriguing. Scott Wright, Ross McCausland, Vaclav Cerny and, if fit, Dujon Sterling will all feel they can nail down the position this season. However, we have a sneaking suspicion that Welsh speedster Matondo will be given the nod, with Cerny potentially making his debut off the bench. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group