Hibernian's McInnes to shake up Rangers lineup for crucial win
Hibernian manager David Gray faces a tough test against Rangers, who are seeking a crucial win to kick-start their league campaign. Rangers manager Derek McInnes is expected to make significant changes to his lineup, including dropping Tochi Chukwuani and Nicolas Raskin.
What happened?
Rangers have struggled in their opening two games, drawing 1-1 against Dundee United and losing 2-1 to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League. Hibernian, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to the season, beating KF Shkendija 2-1 in the Conference League but losing 2-1 to Motherwell on matchday one.
Why it matters for Hibernian
A win for Rangers would put them in a strong position in the title race, with Hibernian currently 19 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian. For Hibernian, a win would be a much-needed boost to their confidence and would help them climb the league table.
What comes next?
Rangers have to kick-start their league campaign with a win against Hibernian, as every dropped point could count in the title race come May next year. As such, we're backing McInnes to be ruthless in the pursuit of three points this weekend, dropping Dan Neil, Mohamed Diomande and Tochi Chukwuani which were his midfield trio of choice against Jagiellonia.
In their places, we're predicting that Nicolas Raskin and Cammy Devlin to form the central midfield duo, and we'll get to Chukwuani's replacement later. Raskin's proposed move to Real Betis appears to be stalling somewhat, and so whilst he's still a Rangers player, McInnes should have zero hesitation to use him as his extended World Cup break has now finished.
On the left wing, Thelo Aasgaard has been one of the standout early performers of the new season, and so we're backing him to keep his place against Hibernian. Meanwhile, over on the right, new signing Daisuke Yokota didn't enjoy a dream debut against Jagiellonia and was brought off at half-time, and that could mean Findlay Curtis is brought in to replace him.
Hibernian's recent form
Hibernian have had a mixed start to the season, beating KF Shkendija 2-1 in the Conference League but losing 2-1 to Motherwell on matchday one. They currently sit 5th in the Premiership, with 51 points from 33 games last season, and are 19 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian in the title race.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way)
Hibernian currently sit 5th in the Premiership, with 51 points from 33 games last season, and are 19 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian in the title race.
Goals this season
Hibernian have scored 51 goals this season, conceding 37, and have a +14 goal difference.
Title race
Hibernian are 19 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian in the title race.
Last result
Hibernian lost 0-1 to Motherwell on May 16, 2026.
Recent form (last 5)
Hibernian have had a mixed start to the season, beating KF Shkendija 2-1 in the Conference League but losing 2-1 to Motherwell on matchday one. They currently have a recent form of 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW, most recent first).
Currently sidelined
Jamie McGrath, Nicky Cadden, and Rocky Bushiri are currently sidelined for Hibernian.
