The start of the new Scottish Premiership season is now just hours away, with Hearts and Rangers kicking off the 24/25 campaign at Tynecastle on Saturday (kick off: 12.30pm).
Philippe Clement’s Gers team will head to the capital for a tough task against Steven Naismith’s Jambos just months after they played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in the final game of last season.
With eight new signings in the door at Rangers, the likes of Jefte, Vaclav Cerny, Connor Barron and Hamza Igamane will all be pushing for starts. Rumoured new recruit Robin Pröpper could also be in line for a debut if his transfer is confirmed ahead of the clash.
Rangers target Lawrence Shankland will be expected to start for the oppositon as he looks to carry on from where he left off last season, whereas Gers stars James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers will be unsure of a starting spot following speculation over their Ibrox futures. Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling both missed last weekend’s 4-4 friendly draw with Union Berlin, with former confirmed to have suffered a ‘small muscle issue’. Will he be fit in time?
So how are Rangers likely to line up against Hearts this weekend? The Scotsman predicts how Clement will set his side up for the visit to Gorgie.
9. CAM: Tom Lawrence
Was often preferred to Todd Cantwell for the big games last season and is almost guaranteed to start this weekend after the ex-Norwich City man handed in a transfer request. Lawrence scored twice in the 4-4 draw with Union Berlin last weekend to cement a starting XI spot at Tynecastle. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. LW: Oscar Cortes
Was a real bright spark for the Gers after his signing in January until his season was ended by a troublesome hamstring injury. Has started most of Rangers' pre-season games on the left and will be in the starting XI on Saturday. | Luke Nickerson/Rangers FC/Shutterstock Photo: Luke Nickerson/Rangers FC/Shutterstock
11. CF: Cyriel Dessers
Despite the rumours that continue to reverberate around his future at Ibrox, Dessers remains adamant he sees Rangers as his future. Looked sharp against Union Berlin last week and scored two good goals, which more or less guarantees him a spot ahead of Danilo this weekend. | Andrew Milligan Photo: Andrew Milligan