Dessers To Start? | Predicted 4-4-2 Rangers Lineup To Face Hearts | OneFootball

A shambolic home defeat against minnows Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup could leave Rangers empty-handed unless they pull off a miracle and conquer the Europa League. Philippe Clement’s future is hanging by a thread and the Belgian boss could be shown the door if they fail to secure all three points against in-form Hearts at Tynecastle.

The Jambos are flying high overcoming a dreadful start. They have climbed up to seventh and are now within seven points of third-placed Dundee United in the Premiership standings. Neil Critchley won the Manager of the Month for January and his upbeat juggernaut must be determined to extend the streak on Sunday afternoon.

Predicted 4-4-2 Rangers Lineup To Face Hearts

Defence

Jack Butland was rested against Queen’s Park in favour of Liam Kelly. But the Scotsman is expected to make way for the former England international in Edinburgh.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Tom Lawrence and John Souttar of Rangers are seen at full time during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup match between Rangers FC and Queens Park at Ibrox Stadium on February 09, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Although James Tavernier’s heroics helped the Gers secure a ‘top eight’ finish en route to cementing a direct Round of 16 spot in the Europa League, a missed spot-kick in the closing seconds denied them a comeback in the Cup contest. Yet the skipper should keep his place down the right, also, left fullback Jefte must retain his starting status ahead of fit-again Ridvan Yilmaz. Lille loanee Rafael Fernandes could be dropped for ex-Hearts centre-back John Souttar who might partner with Robin Propper in the heart of the backline. Injuries to Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Dujon Sterling and Leon Balogun leave the Light Blues with Clinton Nsiala and Fernandes as the only other alternatives in deep defence.

Midfield

Clement has promoted 18-year-old Bailey Rice amid Connor Barron’s injury absence. But he must rely on the experience of Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande deep down the midfield. Vaclav Cerny has been exquisite down the right with 13 goals and 7 assists across competitions [stats via Transfermarket], and the rejuvenation of Ianis Hagi from near-exit is a rare feel-good factor in an otherwise gloomy campaign. Tom Lawrence and Nedim Bajrami could be involved at some stage to inject more firepower in and around the attacking third.

Attack

Clement’s 4-2-3-1 has not worked out in terms of stability and creative spark. He should find a way to accommodate his lethal attacking options together high up the field. Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane must be deployed in their preferred centre-forward roles rather than shifting the latter down the wide, thus limiting his directness in front of the goal.