Rangers v Hibs: injury news, starting XI, odds, how to watch

Hibs head along the M8 on Boxing Day for the festive league fixture with rivals Rangers.
Christian Doidge netted an equaliser in the 2-2 draw the last time Hibs faced Rangers. Picture: SNSChristian Doidge netted an equaliser in the 2-2 draw the last time Hibs faced Rangers. Picture: SNS
Christian Doidge netted an equaliser in the 2-2 draw the last time Hibs faced Rangers. Picture: SNS

Jack Ross’ side are one of only two teams to have taken points off the Scottish Premiership leaders this season – the other being Livingston.

The Hibees jumped back into third spot on Wednesday with a tight 1-0 win over St Mirren, courtesy of a splendid finish from Kevin Nisbet.

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Hibs have lost just once in their 16 matches, going back to the end of September.

They face a Rangers side which have dominated in the league so far. Steven Gerrard’s men have a 16-point lead at the top of the league and come into the game with a strong squad.

Team news: Hibs will be without Christian Doidge after the striker was sent off in the win over the Buddies after picking up two late bookings. There also were two injury blows in the game with Kyle Magennis and Ofir Marciano picking up knocks and having to be replaced. They are doubts and could join Stevie Mallan, Sean Mackie, Scott Allan and Jamie Murphy on the sidelines.

Possible starting XI: Barnes; McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon, Stevenson; Boyle, Gogic, Newell, Hallberg, Wright; Nisbet.

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What Ross said: “We took a couple of games at the beginning this month, bounce games against Rangers and Hamilton that people might have questioned the wisdom of, because we had such a busy schedule.

“But we knew that we’d need players like Drey Wright, Melker Hallberg, Dillon [Barnes] during a tough period and Dillon did fine in the bounce game against Rangers. It was maybe only a handful of their regulars but he’s been good since he came to the club.

“We’ve been fortunate because it’s not an easy role to fill but I think we’ve probably got as good as we could get in Dillon.”

Match details: Saturday, December 26. Kick-off 12.30pm, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow.

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How to watch: Sky Sports, the Scottish Premiership’s broadcaster, are showing the game. It is available on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky One. Coverage begins at 12pm. With the game being made available on Sky One, viewers who don’t have a Sky Sports package with a subscription can watch the game.

Last meeting: The September fixture at Easter Road was an entertaining one. Drey Wright struck first for the home side only for Rangers to hit back in first half injury time through Alfredo Morelos before Scott Arfield gave the visitors the lead just before the hour mark. A Christian Doidge header, however, earned Hibs a point. The game also saw a flash point after the full-time whistle with Steven Gerrard and Ryan Porteous exchanging words.

Key stat: Expect plenty of shots. Rangers and Hibs are first and third for the number of attempts in the Premiership so far, averaging 27 between them per 90 minutes.

Referee: Willie Collum – The 41-year-old will take charge of his third match involving Hibs this season. He officiated the 3-0 win over St Mirren back in September and the win over Dundee in the last-16 of the Betfred Cup.

Odds: Rangers 1/4 Draw 21/4 Hibs 9/1