‘Ferguson to axe Diomande’ – Rangers predicted XI v Hibernian
Barry Ferguson could be set to make big changes to his lineup in his final game in charge of the Light Blues against Hibernian on Saturday.
Ferguson has overseen a mixed interim spell in charge at Ibrox, yielding six wins, four draws and four losses from 14 games.
Rangers have won both of their last two fixtures, hammering Aberdeen 4-0 on 11 May before beating Dundee United 3-1 on 14 May.
The Ibrox giants will now hope to enjoy a positive ending to an otherwise disappointing win by defeating Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday, 17 May.
Meanwhile, Football Insider predicts Ferguson’s final Gers starting 11 of the Scottish Premiership season:
Ferguson will have a point to prove in his final match
Jack Butland
After previously being dropped in favour of Liam Kelly, Butland returned to the Bears’ starting lineup for the first time since April against Dundee United last time out.
The 32-year-old could be set to remain between the sticks for Ferguson’s side, and will hope to earn his 11th clean sheet of the league campaign.
James Tavernier
Like Rangers as a whole, James Tavernier has let his usual standards slip this term, albeit he has notched five goals and 12 assists in all competitions this term.
The attack-minded right-back will hope to cause Hibernian problems as the Glasgow outfit look to emerge victorious in Edinburgh.
John Souttar
John Souttar has endured injury struggles this campaign, meaning that he has featured in just 23 Scottish Premiership games.
But when fit, the 28-year-old displays his solid defensive capabilities with distinction, and helped the Gers maintain a clean sheet in their recent win over Aberdeen.
Leon Balogun
Leon Balogun turns 37 this summer, but remains a key player for Rangers both domestically and in Europe.
The Light Blues could be set to hand the Nigeria international a new deal, and he will be keen to show what he can do against Hibernian.
Jefte
Jefte has stepped up for the Gers since Ridvan Yilmaz’s injury, and has notched two goal contributions in his last two games.
The Brazilian will look to get forward against Hibernian at every opportunity, should Ferguson’s men enjoy the lion’s share of possession at Easter Road.
Bailey Rice
Connor Barron started instead of Bailey Rice last time out for Rangers, but Ferguson could look to shuffle his midfield pack.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed somewhat of a breakout season at Ibrox, and could be rewarded with only his second league start of the season.
Nico Raskin
Nico Raskin is the metronome in the Light Blues midfield and got himself on the scoresheet during Wednesday’s victory over Dundee United.
The Belgium international has made 47 appearances in all competitions this term, proving just how important he is.
Diomande to be axed by Ferguson
Vaclav Cerny
Vaclav Cerny has enjoyed a largely successful loan spell with the Bears from German Bundesliga outfit, and has notched 18 goals and nine assists in all competitions.
| Vaclav Cerny stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 51 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 9 |
If he is at his best, the Czechia international could cause the Hibernian backline all manner of problems in Edinburgh.
Danilo
Mohamed Diomande has failed to score for Rangers since their Old Firm victory at Celtic Park on 16 March, which could open the door for Danilo to be handed a start in favour of the Ivory Coast international.
Danilo has predominantly featured off the bench this season, but could be named in Ferguson’s starting 11 on the final day.
Hamza Igamane
Hamza Igamane has enjoyed a strong debut season with Rangers, scoring 16 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions since joining from Moroccan side Rabat last summer.
The 22-year-old will hope to show his attacking class once more at Easter Road on the final day of the campaign.
Cyriel Dessers
Cyriel Dessers has been the Gers’ main source of goals this season, notching 17 in the Scottish Premiership alone.
The forward is in inspired form, with five goals arriving in his last four games.