The Rangers blueprint to beat Hibernian as Derek McInnes faces key decision

Rangers are preparing to return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday when they welcome Hibernian to Ibrox.

Derek McInnes has endured a difficult start to competitive life in the Rangers dugout. Expectations were high when the former Aberdeen boss arrived, but those early hopes have already been tested following a disappointing opening to the campaign.

A draw against Dundee United on the opening day was followed by defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europe, increasing the pressure on the Light Blues ahead of their first home league fixture.

With Rangers desperate to get their season moving in the right direction, McInnes may need to make one important adjustment if his side are to secure victory over Hibernian.

The Rangers blueprint for beating Hibernian

David Gray’s Hibernian side head into the weekend full of confidence after securing a 2-1 home victory over KF Shkendija in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

The result provided a much-needed response following their opening-day defeat to Motherwell at Easter Road and could give Hibs renewed belief heading into their trip to Ibrox.

However, that European victory may also offer Rangers a blueprint for how to approach Sunday’s encounter.

Motherwell used a 4-4-2 formation against Hibernian and were rewarded with a victory over Gray’s 3-4-3 setup. By contrast, Hibs managed to overcome a 4-2-3-1 system in their Conference League victory.

That could give McInnes something to consider when selecting his formation for Sunday’s clash.

Rangers could benefit from matching Hibernian’s shape with a system that provides greater numbers in midfield while also giving their forwards enough support to exploit spaces in the visitors’ defence.

After failing to win either of their opening competitive fixtures, Rangers cannot afford another slow start. McInnes will need his players to be more aggressive, organised and efficient if they are to claim their first victory of the season at the third attempt.