Clement set to drop defender in three key changes – Predicted Rangers starting XI v Hearts | OneFootball

Rangers return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday when they face Hearts at Ibrox.

The confidence should be running high after the Gers secured a 1-1 draw against Olympiakos in Greece in the Europa League on Thursday.

With Celtic and Aberdeen setting up the pace in the league, Rangers cannot afford any further slip-ups.

Philippe Clement could be looking to make some changes as Hearts are expected to pose a different challenge.

Rangers will be without Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo and Tom Lawrence for this game, but Ridvan Yilmaz could get some minutes.

Jack Butland has kept five clean sheets this season already, and he should keep his place between the sticks.

Defender Robin Propper produced a fantastic performance in midweek, but there are suggestions that he is better suited in European games.

Clement could bring Leon Balogun or Neraysho Kasanwirjo in his place. Balogun has a lot of experience, and he would be a better option than John Souttar.

Dujon Sterling was taken off in the second half as a precaution against Olympiakos. He is ahead of James Tavernier in the pecking order and should keep his place in the starting line-up against Hearts.

Yilmaz has recovered from injury, but Jefte is more likely to continue.

Barry Ferguson has been left impressed by Nicolas Raskin, and he feels he was excellent in midweek alongside Connor Barron.

The duo should keep their place, but Clement could drop Mohamed Diomande and bring in a creative playmaker in Ianis Hagi.

The Romanian will be eager to get some minutes, and his guile can help unlock the Jambos’ defence.

Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny should continue up front, but Clement could bring Danilo into the side in place of Cyriel Dessers.

While Dessers scored in midweek, he also missed several good chances. Danilo was superb in the 2-1 win over Motherwell last Sunday when he came off the bench.

Clement could be inclined to start with him in the final match before the November international break.

Predicted Rangers starting XI: Butland; Jefte, Balogun, Souttar, Sterling; Raskin, Barron, Hagi; Cerny, Bajrami, Danilo.