Rangers could take a five-point lead at the top of the league if they defeat Hearts tomorrow.

Last weekend, Glasgow Rangers defeated St Johnstone 3-0 on the road to take the lead in the Premiership table for the first time since 2022.

The Ibrox team might have crumbled under pressure last week under other managers, but in Philippe Clement, they have a leader who, in just five months, has completely changed the team’s mindset.

In the league table, they now lead Celtic by two points; however, if they defeat Hearts tomorrow afternoon, the difference may widen to five points, demonstrating how rapidly things can change.

The Light Blues were drawn into the Europa League final 16 and were given a difficult matchup against Benfica. The first leg of the match is scheduled for March 7, so Clement will need to get his team ready for the demanding schedule that lies ahead.

This could imply a few changes for tomorrow’s crucial league match against the Jambos at Ibrox. With that in mind, here’s a look at who might start.

GK: Jack Butland

Possibly the most significant addition the team made in the summer. Since moving from the Premier League to Scotland, Butland has been in incredible form. If he keeps this up through the end of the season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see an England call-up to the Euro 2024 squad.

In 26 league games, the former Crystal Palace goalkeeper has maintained an amazing 13 clean sheets, and this has been crucial to the Gers’ quest for victory.

Without a doubt, another shutout tomorrow might be very important.

James Tavernier, RB

Right-back and the top place are almost automatic choices, and Tavernier will be looking to build on his fantastic season-long run of play against Hearts.

The defender has scored three goals and provided two assists against the Gorgie team in their previous three encounters since the beginning of the season. If he scores one or two more goals tomorrow, the Gers may win again.

Connor Goldson, CB

Connor Goldson has been a pillar at the center of the defense, even though Butland has excelled between the posts.

Despite his occasional misstep, most recently against Aberdeen when he was caught off guard by a long ball over the top, the Englishman has only missed three games this season, demonstrating his value to the squad. His performances have also been outstanding.

John Souttar, CB

The Scottish centre-back, who has developed a fantastic partnership with his older teammate, is still starting alongside Goldson.

In fact, he has started with Goldson in six of the previous seven Premiership games, during which the Gers have only allowed three goals.

LB – Ridvan Yilmaz

Borna Barisic was added to the starting lineup for the match against St Johnstone since squad rotation has been crucial lately, but Yilmaz will be freed tomorrow.

It has been enjoyable to witness his comeback under Clement, as he has been able to deliver some of his best performances since moving to Glasgow in 2022.

Former sporting director Ross Wilson praised the £5 million acquisition, calling him a “high quality” player. This season, he has scored twice and picked up an assist, giving the impression that he may succeed Barisic in the role of king.

John Lundstram, CM

Although the Englishman’s contract expires in a few months, his recent play under the 49-year-old coach suggests that a new contract ought to be extended to him.

He is the first name on the team sheet and will start against Hearts because he has only missed one game since the new administration began, and that was because of an injury.

Mohamed Diomande, CM

Last week, the January transfer scored the first goal with a superb long-range strike that tucked into the St Johnstone net. That goal definitely calmed the jitters.

He merits another start tomorrow, and he and Lundstram together have the ability to exert major influence in the middle against the Tynecastle team.

Ross McCausland RW

Only his eighth start of the season, former Aberdeen winger Scott Wright was handed a rare start against the Saints on Sunday, but he did not capitalize on the opportunity.

The Scottish player shown a lack of desire to create any kind of impact, as evidenced by his mere 21 touches, eight passes completed, and nine possession losses.

As a result, Ross McCausland, who has been a far greater threat in front of goal this season, will start in his stead.

Since October, the 20-year-old has contributed three assists and two goals for the senior team, and as he gets older, he will only become better.

Todd Cantwell, AM.

Under Clement, a different player has seen an improvement in performance, particularly at home.

The English midfielder is thriving in the number ten role lately, showing off his attacking abilities. He has scored five goals in his last nine league games.

With another strong performance against Hearts, he might even score in the top flight once more.

Oscar Cortes LW

Since Rabbi Matondo was absent from the game against the Saints, Abdallah Sima is still not ready to return to the starting lineup, which could mean Cortes starts for the second straight week.

Although he hasn’t scored for the Ibrox team yet, he’s trying. In fact, in his four league games, the 20-year-old has generated plenty of opportunities and averaged 1.5 crucial passes per contest—respectable numbers given that he has only played 44 minutes on average each game.

 Fabio Silva ST

The Light Blues’ on-loan striker, who has already netted twice for the team, will start ahead of Cyriel Dessers once more.

While the Nigerian striker occasionally scores a goal, his finishing abilities are, to put it mildly, lacking. This season, he has wasted an incredible 20 excellent opportunities in the Premiership.

Silva will have another opportunity to improve on his one league appearance against the Jambos tomorrow, and a goal would further win over the supporters at Ibrox.

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