Preview: Rangers vs. Hibernian - prediction, team news, lineups

Rangers responded to their defeat in the Old Firm derby with an emphatic victory at the weekend, and the Gers will be hoping to continue that as they search for the chance to go back to the top of the division.

They will welcome Hibernian to Ibrox, and the visitors shall be attempting to get back into form themselves as they head into the match on the back of five without a win.

Match preview

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Rangers have had a difficult start to the New Year so far, having failed to win on three occasions with two draws, which was then followed by a heavy defeat against Celtic.

The results have seen them slip down into second place, with the Hoops becoming the new league leaders, placing pressure onto the Gers as they look to get themselves back into that spot.

Despite the poor performances as of late, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team got back to winning ways in style with an emphatic 5-0 victory against Hearts at the weekend.

A brace from the returning Alfredo Morelos and goals by Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield and Fashion Sakala all helping the Gers get back to their best, and with just a point between them and Celtic, there is plenty of opportunities for them to return to the top of the table.

Rangers have not lost a single game at home in the Scottish Premiership, and considering Hibernian have only won three times on the road, the form and momentum is behind the hosts.

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The visitors have struggled since the return to action following the winter break, having not won a single match since that point, and the form is something that they will be aiming to change.

The Hibees faced St Mirren at the weekend, but they fell short of the mark after a second-half goal from Connor Ronan proved to be the difference between the two teams.

It marked the fourth game since the break where Hibernian have failed to find the back of the net, and as they face the second-best defensive team in the league, it is an area of concern.

The pressure will be on Kevin Nisbet, in particular, to rediscover his form in front of goal, as that is going to be needed in order to get any result against the Gers.

Another loss on Wednesday could see the club fall into the bottom half of the table, potentially down to ninth depending on other results, placing pressure on them within this fixture.

Team News

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Morelos made his return from international duty at the weekend, and after scoring a brace in the match against Hearts, he could find himself leading the line once again.

Rangers had multiple changes to the team in that game, with John Lundstram, Leon Balogun and Ryan Jack all being brought back into the team, and considering the positive result things could be kept the same this time out.

Hibernian no longer have Boyle to rely on upfront after he departed the club in the January transfer window, and Christian Doidge should take the top spot in order to play alongside Nisbet on Wednesday.

Joe Newell was unfit at the weekend, and he remains a doubt heading into this fixture, while Paul McGinn did return to the matchday squad after his spell on the injured list.

Rangers possible starting lineup:

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Bassey; Jack, Lundstram; Arfield, Aribo, Kent; Morelos

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Dabrowski; Bushiri, Porteous, Stevenson; Cadden, Campbell-Hayes, Campbell, Mitchell, Mueller; Nisbet, Doidge

We say: Rangers 2-0 Hibernian

Rangers might have had a difficult start to 2022, but they are still within touching distance of the top spot in the Scottish Premiership, and that is why they should be able to pick up another victory on Wednesday.

Hibernian are also struggling right now, and with the Gers having the chance to go back into first place with a victory, the squad should be pushing for another three points.