Curtis Must Start On The Flank | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Hibernian | OneFootball

Despite securing nine new signings, Rangers, under Derek McInnes, appear unbalanced and incomplete after a disappointing draw with Dundee United followed by a defeat against Jagiellonia Białystok in the Europa League qualifiers. While they are expected to snap up more names before the window shuts, the Scottish boss must figure out the best possible XI ahead of hosting Hibernian on Sunday evening.

Hibs suffered a home defeat to Motherwell in the opening gameweek, but they have troubled the Light Blues time and again in the recent past. Their previous meeting at Ibrox finished 2-1 in favour of the visitors, and Rangers, regardless of the transition, must uplift the standard to avoid further setbacks.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Hibernian

Defence

Ivor Pandur has been brought in as the new ‘number 1 ‘, and the Croatian custodian should be the preferred choice over Liam Kelly for years to come.

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – JULY 31: Emmanuel Agyei of Dundee United vies with Youssef Chermiti of Rangers during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Dundee United and Glasgow Rangers at Tannadice Park on July 31, 2026 in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Ben Godfrey’s injury absence is a significant blow for the Gers, as the gaffer might once again rely on versatile Dujon Sterling to partner with Emmanuel Fernandez in the heart of the backline. Clinton Nsiala and John Souttar are likely to part ways in the coming days, and the summer recruit Olwethu Makhanya would take a while before attuning to the demands of the Scottish game. Ross McCrorie and Tuur Rommens need to maintain a balance between defence and attack while featuring as the first-team fullback pair.

Midfield

Rangers have ample options in the centre of the pitch, as they prepare for life after in-demand Nicolas Raskin, who would be moved on before the end of the transfer window. McInnes chose a more robust midfield trio of Mohamed Diomande, Tochi Chukwuani and Dan Neil against Jagiellonia Białystok, rather than a traditional double-pivot with a distinct ‘number 10’, but he must revert to the latter, with Raskin and Neil driving the game from the base as their engine room. Besides, Diomande and Chukwuani, summer arrivals Vanja Dragojevic and Cammy Devlin might also be involved from the bench as deep-lying playmakers.

Thelo Aasgaard has been deployed from a wider role, but the Norwegian, more effective as a midfield attacker, should occupy a central spot. Findlay Curtis deserves a start down the left after impressing against the Polish outfit as a half-time substitute. Daisuke Yokota could once again operate from the right, even though he failed to leave a mark on Thursday night. The former Hannover winger must be backed with a run of games, whereas Djeidi Gassama has to fight for his place following a below-par outing against the Tangerines.