By Joe Roberts

3rd Nov, 2023 | 2:32pm

Abdallah Sima axed, Jose Cifuentes starts in 4-2-3-1: Rangers predicted XI v Hearts

Rangers will face Hearts in an important semi-final clash at Hampden Park in the Scottish League Cup on Sunday (5 November).

Ahead of a crucial clash in a competition that the Gers are favourites to win, Football Insider has predicted Philippe Clement’s starting line-up to take on the Jambos.

Defence

Jack Butland will most likely start behind an unchanged defence from the Gers’ emphatic 5-0 victory over Dundee on Wednesday (1 November).

Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson were very impressive against Dundee, despite playing together just once this season, and could potentially start against Hearts.

Goal-scorer and captain James Tavernier could start at right-back with Ridvan Yilmaz on the left, with the pair emerging as Clement’s preferred full-back options.

Midfield

Clement may give Jose Cifuentes a start after a strong substitute performance at Dens Park, replacing Ryan Jack.

John Lundstram, having started all games for the new manager, is a strong possibility to stay in the midfield.

Todd Cantwell could replace Abdallah Sima after the Brighton loanees’ blunt performance on Wednesday, while Scott Wright may keep his spot in the starting XI.

Attack

Despite Cyriel Dessers getting on the scoresheet from the bench against The Dee, Clement may opt to keep Danilo in the starting line-up after getting three goal contributions in his last two games.

With a squad-high 7.17 shots per 90 for Rangers this season, per FBRef, the Brazilian has made a strong case to be favoured over Dessers despite his recent success.

Sam Lammers, who has shown his best under the Belgian, may be in contention to start once again.

In other news, Frank McAvennie has dropped an incendiary Rangers prediction.