Rangers, who sit third in the table, are set to host ninth-placed Hibernian at the Ibrox Stadium for matchday six of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season.
The hosts have won three, drawn one and lost one of their first five league fixtures, while the visitors have just five points with one win and two draws from their five outings.
Match preview
© Imago
After experiencing a sluggish start to the 2024-25 campaign, Rangers have seemingly started to pick up the pace in their most recent outings.
Philippe Clement's side managed only three victories in their first seven matches across all competitions, enduring two losses and two draws, including a frustrating 3-1 aggregate defeat to Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League third qualifying round.
Those early term results saw the pressure increase regarding Clement's position at the club, but recent performances and improved results have allowed the Belgian to regain some favour at Rangers.
In their last three matches, Rangers have secured three consecutive victories, including a dominant 2-0 win against Malmo in the opening fixture of the Europa League, putting them in significantly better form ahead of Sunday's clash with Hibernian.
With Rangers already trailing the top two by five points, Clement will need his team to extend their winning streak if they are to keep their title hopes alive this season.
The hosts will certainly be favourites for a commanding victory as they take on a Hibernian side that have faced challenges so far this term, winning just four of their first 10 fixtures across all competitions, with two draws and four losses.
The visitors did finally secure their first victory in the Scottish Premiership in their most recent outing, defeating St Johnstone 2-0 at home, and David Gray will be hoping that his side can build upon that result in their upcoming games.
Hibernian do hold a slight advantage over their hosts heading into Sunday's match, having enjoyed two weeks of rest since their last game, while the hosts have played three times during that span.
However, Hibs have struggled against Rangers in recent encounters, failing to secure a victory in their last 10 meetings since recording a 3-1 win in November 2021.
Team News
© Imago
The hosts will be without up to five players for this match, with Danilo, Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo, Ridvan Yilmaz and Jefte all likely to miss out due to injury.
Having enjoyed a brilliant 2-0 win against Malmo in the opening match of the 2024-25 Europa League last time out, Clement could opt to name the same starting team here.
Cyriel Dessers has been in hot form so far this term, scoring seven goals in 10 appearances across all competitions, and the striker is expected to lead the line against Hibs.
For the visitors, Kieron Bowie is expected to be unavailable, while Martin Boyle has been sidelined after undergoing surgery on his hand and wrist due to an injury that has troubled him this season.
They will be strengthened by the expected return of captain Joe Newell, who is on track to recover from a groin injury that kept him out of the team's first league victory of the season.
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Propper, Kasanwirjo; Diomande, Barron; Cerny, Lawrence, Bajrami; Dessers
Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Bursik; C. Cadden, Ekpiteta, O'Hora, Obita; Kwon, Triantis; Youan, Molotnikov, N. Cadden; Kukharevych
We say: Rangers 3-1 Hibernian
Both sides have had slow starts to the 2024-25 season, but Rangers have produced multiple improved performances in recent outings, and we believe that will continue with a victory again here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
