Rangers vs Hibernian: Predicted Lineup & Team News as Danny Röhl Faces Selection Crisis

Ibrox Stadium is set to host a midweek Scottish Premiership clash that has lost much of its original sparkle. When Rangers welcome Hibernian for matchday 37 on Wednesday evening, the atmosphere will be tinged with frustration rather than title-charging anticipation. Just a few weeks ago, a glimmer of hope flickered in Govan after back-to-back wins against Falkirk and Dundee United. That hope has been extinguished by a catastrophic post-split collapse, leaving manager Danny Röhl to pick up the pieces of a season that promised so much but delivered only heartbreak.

Rangers have lost all three of their post-split fixtures—a 3-2 defeat to Motherwell, a 2-1 loss to Hearts, and a devastating 3-1 Old Firm defeat to Celtic. The title race is officially over. The Light Blues now sit in third place on 69 points, marooned in no-man’s land. With nothing but pride and momentum to play for, Röhl must now navigate a tricky selection puzzle as injuries and doubts cloud his squad. Hibernian, meanwhile, will be eager to exploit the hosts’ fragile confidence. Here is the full breakdown of team news, predicted lineup, and expert analysis ahead of this crucial fixture.

Rangers’ Post-Split Nightmare: What Went Wrong?

The narrative of Rangers’ season has shifted from “can they catch Celtic?” to “how did it fall apart so quickly?” After a promising run that saw wins over Falkirk and Dundee United, the Ibrox faithful dared to dream. But the post-split fixtures have been a brutal reality check. Three consecutive defeats have exposed deep-rooted issues in both mentality and tactical execution.

The 3-2 loss to Motherwell was a gut-punch, with defensive lapses costing dear. Then came the 2-1 defeat to Hearts, where Rangers dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge. The worst was saved for the Old Firm derby. A 3-1 loss to Celtic at Parkhead was not just a scoreline—it was a statement that the gap remains cavernous. Celtic’s intensity overwhelmed Rangers from the first whistle, and the home side never looked like mounting a serious comeback.

Danny Röhl’s tactical adjustments have been questioned. His side has looked disjointed in transition, vulnerable on the counter-attack, and alarmingly passive in midfield battles. The absence of key players has hurt, but the lack of a coherent Plan B has been glaring. With the title now mathematically impossible, this match against Hibernian is about restoring pride and testing fringe players for next season.

Key Reasons for the Slump

• Defensive fragility: Rangers have conceded seven goals in three post-split games, with set-pieces and counter-attacks proving fatal.
• Lack of midfield control: The engine room has been overrun, particularly against Celtic’s aggressive press.
• Injury disruptions: Key absences have forced Röhl into constant reshuffling, preventing any rhythm.
• Mental fragility: After the Motherwell defeat, the team’s confidence visibly crumbled.

Team News: Souttar Doubt, Naderi Returns, Rice Out

Injuries have been a recurring theme for Rangers this campaign, and the build-up to this Hibernian clash is no different. Danny Röhl faces several selection headaches, with Bailey Rice confirmed as unavailable due to injury. The young midfielder has been sidelined for several weeks, and his absence has been felt in the engine room. Rice’s energy and ball-carrying ability are traits this squad currently lacks.

The biggest concern, however, surrounds John Souttar. The Scotland international missed the Old Firm derby through injury and remains a significant doubt for Wednesday. Souttar is expected to undergo a late fitness test, but the early indications are not promising. If he fails to prove his readiness, Rangers will be without their most composed central defender. Souttar’s reading of the game and aerial dominance have been vital, and his potential absence leaves a gaping hole at the back.

There is, however, a ray of light. Ryan Naderi has recovered from a muscle problem and is back in contention. The versatile defender offers cover at both centre-back and right-back, giving Röhl some much-needed flexibility. Naderi’s return could be timely, especially if Souttar is ruled out. His pace and aggression make him a useful option against Hibernian’s quick forwards.

Beyond these key names, Rangers have a relatively clean bill of health. The midfield trio of Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande, and Todd Cantwell are all fit, while striker Cyriel Dessers is expected to lead the line. The question is whether Röhl will stick with the same system that has failed in recent weeks or make bold changes.

Confirmed Absences & Doubts

• Out: Bailey Rice (injury)
• Doubt: John Souttar (late fitness test)
• Available: Ryan Naderi (returned from muscle injury)

Predicted Rangers Lineup vs Hibernian (4-2-3-1)

With the title gone and morale low, Danny Röhl may be tempted to rotate. However, this is still a home game against a competitive Hibernian side, and a heavy defeat would only deepen the crisis. Expect a relatively strong starting XI, with one or two changes to accommodate injuries and inject fresh legs.

Goalkeeper: Jack Butland is an automatic starter. The Englishman has been one of Rangers’ most consistent performers this season, and his shot-stopping will be crucial against a Hibernian side that likes to shoot from distance.

Defence: If John Souttar fails his fitness test, the centre-back pairing will likely be Leon Balogun and Ben Davies. Balogun’s experience is valuable, but his lack of pace can be exposed. At right-back, James Tavernier will captain the side, though his defensive positioning has been criticized. Left-back is a toss-up between Ridvan Yilmaz and Borna Barisic; Yilmaz offers more dynamism going forward. Ryan Naderi could feature as a substitute or even start if Röhl wants to rest Tavernier.

Midfield: The double pivot should consist of Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande. Raskin provides energy and progressive passing, while Diomande adds defensive steel. Ahead of them, Todd Cantwell will operate as the number 10, tasked with unlocking Hibernian’s defensive block. Cantwell’s creativity has been sporadic, but he remains the team’s best chance of breaking down stubborn defences.

Attack: The wide areas are likely to be occupied by Abdallah Sima on the left and Rabbi Matondo on the right. Sima’s direct running and physicality can cause problems, while Matondo’s pace is a weapon on the counter. Up front, Cyriel Dessers will lead the line. The Nigerian striker has endured a mixed season, but his hold-up play and finishing have shown flashes of quality. He will need better service than he received against Celtic.

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Jack Butland
• RB: James Tavernier (c)
• CB: Leon Balogun
• CB: Ben Davies
• LB: Ridvan Yilmaz
• CM: Nicolas Raskin
• CM: Mohamed Diomande
• RW: Rabbi Matondo
• AM: Todd Cantwell
• LW: Abdallah Sima
• ST: Cyriel Dessers

Key Substitutes: Ryan Naderi, Borna Barisic, Kieran Dowell, Sam Lammers, Fashion Sakala.

Expert Analysis: Can Rangers Avoid Another Embarrassment?

Hibernian will arrive at Ibrox with no fear. The Edinburgh side have been inconsistent this season, but they have the quality to punish a fragile Rangers team. Under manager Nick Montgomery, Hibs play with a high press and look to exploit transitions. If Rangers are sloppy in possession—as they have been in their last three games—Hibs will create chances.

The key battleground will be the midfield. Rangers need Nicolas Raskin to dominate the tempo and Mohamed Diomande to break up play effectively. If Hibs bypass the midfield quickly, the Rangers backline will be exposed. Defensively, the absence of John Souttar could be catastrophic. Leon Balogun has experience but lacks recovery speed, while Ben Davies has struggled with consistency all season. Hibernian striker Adam Le Fondre is a poacher who thrives on defensive mistakes.

Offensively, Rangers must be more clinical. Against Hearts and Motherwell, they created chances but failed to convert them. Cyriel Dessers needs to hold the ball up better and bring the wingers into play. Todd Cantwell must also take more responsibility in the final third—his assist numbers have been poor for a player of his talent.

From a tactical perspective, expect Danny Röhl to instruct his team to press high from the start. A fast start is essential to lift the crowd and put Hibs on the back foot. If Rangers fall behind early, the atmosphere could turn toxic, and the players’ heads might drop. The psychological battle is just as important as the tactical one.

Prediction: Rangers 2-1 Hibernian

Despite the recent slump, I expect Rangers to edge this one at Ibrox. The home crowd, though frustrated, will get behind the team for one last push. Hibernian are beatable, especially away from home. If Rangers can take an early lead and defend set-pieces properly, they should secure a narrow victory. Dessers and Cantwell to get on the scoresheet.

Conclusion: A Pride Game with Long-Term Implications

This match may no longer have title implications, but it is far from meaningless. For Danny Röhl, it is an opportunity to stop the rot and restore some faith in his methods. For the players, it is a chance to prove they deserve to wear the Rangers jersey next season. And for the fans, it is a reminder that this club, despite its current struggles, must always fight for every point.

John Souttar’s fitness will be a major subplot, but the return of Ryan Naderi offers a glimmer of hope. The predicted lineup balances experience with youthful energy, but the real test will be whether Rangers can show the mental resilience that has been missing for weeks. Hibernian will not make it easy, but at Ibrox, under the lights, Rangers should have just enough quality to get the job done.

Expect a tense, hard-fought 90 minutes. The scoreline may not be pretty, but a win is all that matters now. Rangers vs Hibernian: the final chapter of a disappointing season, but one that could still end on a positive note.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.