Cornelius To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Hearts | OneFootball

After a dreadful start to their Premiership campaign under Russell Martin, Rangers must bounce back this weekend, as they are set to host high-flying Hearts on Saturday afternoon. The Jambos are jointly leading the league standings with Celtic and the Gers, yet to secure a win in this competition, must overcome a run of tricky encounters following the international break.

Martin, meanwhile, has been heavily backed by the new owners throughout the summer window. While it takes time to find the rhythm in the aftermath of a squad overhaul, their performance, so far, has lacked the intent and vision, as well as any strategic mastery, from the gaffer.

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

Defence

After conceding six goals against Club Brugge, keeper Jack Butland was largely untested against the Hoops en route to grabbing a clean sheet in the season’s first Old Firm clash. Free-scoring Hearts have scored 10 goals in 4 league games, and therefore, could trouble the veteran Englishman at Ibrox.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 21: Mohammed Diomande of Rangers shoots during the Scottish Cup Semi Final match between Rangers and Hearts at Hampden Park on April 21, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rangers bolstered their backline on deadline day by snapping up Derek Cornelius from Marseille on a season-long loan. The Canadian centre-half not only kept clean sheets in their wins against Romania and Wales, but also netted the solitary goal while registering a 1-0 victory against the latter this midweek. He should replace Nasser Djiga to partner with John Souttar in the heart of the backline. Skipper James Tavernier must get the nod down the right ahead of Max Aarons, and the left fullback role belongs to Jayden Meghoma, following the departures of Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz.

Midfield

Martin has yet to figure out the best combination and setup in the centre of the pitch. But he should opt for a ‘double pivot’, relying on the chemistry and composure of Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin. Thelo Aasgaard deserves the ‘number 10’ role, having netted four goals against Moldova as a second-half substitute for Norway. Joe Rothwell, Connor Barron and Lyall Cameron could be deployed off the bench as an alternate ‘midfield three’.

The manager changed his tactics against Celtic and utilised Djeidi Gassama from the right. However, it did not make much of a difference, and the Frenchman should be shifted down the left once again. Mikey Moore was handed a surprise start in the stalemate, and the on-loan Spurs teenager might make way for Oliver Antman, who would be a better option from the right-hand flank.

Attack

Rangers have replaced Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers with Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti high up the pitch. Miovski spearheaded their attack against the Bhoys and should keep his place up top, allowing Chermiti to attune to the Scottish game.