Rangers line-up vs Hibs predicted: Balogun and Roofe to start

Hibs stand between Philippe Clement's men and a place in the last eight with the Easter Road outfit unbeaten in their last five in all competitions.

With the Europa League return leg to come on Thursday, will that affect the Belgian's team selection?

Our writers select their starting XIs for the game.

Chris Jack

Philippe Clement will have to ask those who were brave and bold against Benfica to show the same heart and hunger against Hibernian. The challenge of competing on three fronts is a considerable one for Rangers and the injury situation that once again plagues the Ibrox squad makes it even tougher.

If Clement’s side can continue at home and abroad, it would be quite the achievement. It was a night that drained the levels, both mentally and physically, in Lisbon but Clement has no choice but to ask many of those to go again.

Leon Balogun could perhaps come in for John Souttar in a change there would only be made with fitness in mind. Given the exertions of Tom Lawrence recently, his place must be carefully considered. If he misses out, Ryan Jack or Nicolas Raskin can come in alongside John Lundstram and Mohamed Diomande can move up a line.

Fabio Silva excelled wide on the left in Lisbon. Clement must be careful with his strikers, though. If Ross McCausland is fit to go from the off, it makes sense to bring him back in and have just one of the recognised No.9s on the pitch from the start. The other, as well as substitute Kemar Roofe, will have their own part to play in the quarter-final.

Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Ridvan, Lundstram, Jack, Diomande, Sterling, McCausland, Silva.

READ MORE: How Rangers rocked Benfica and can complete Europa miracle

Derek Clark

Given the exertions of Thursday night, it would be a surprise if Philippe Clement picked the same starting line-up that took to the field against Benfica.

With that in mind, Leon Balogun is surely a contender to come back into the backline. Particularly given recent mistakes from Connor Goldson and John Souttar. Of the two, Souttar is most likely to make way.

In midfield, John Lundstram has been a mainstay in the Rangers midfield since Clement arrived but the Scouser looks in need of a rest. He was leggy in Lisbon and was guilty of a number of misplaced passes. The question will be can Rangers afford to give him a rest in a game of this magnitude? If Ryan Jack is fit enough, then he provides a more than able replacement for Lundstram.

The other alteration from Thursday may see a change in the frontline. Kemar Roofe came on for Cyriel Dessers and immediately Rangers looked more formidable up top. If he can, then Roofe would get the nod to start ahead of the former Cremonese forward who continues to frustrate.

Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Ridvan, Jack, Diomande, Sterling, Lawrence, Silva, Roofe.