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4-2-3-1: Warburton must field this Rangers XI to spoil Hearts’ Cathro party

Other than the 0-2 reversal away at Hearts, the Rangers fans in the Transfer Tavern have been happy about their recent run of form, a set of results that has taken them to second in the SPFL table. 

Putting one over on old rivals Aberdeen had the Gers propping up the bar in good spirits and the Glasgow lot parked up at the bar understand manager Mark Warburton is undertaking a long-term project at Ibrox as they try to close the gap on Celtic.

Well, they welcome the Jambos on Saturday, eager to put their loss back in November behind them and keep a hold of second spot.

No doubt it’ll be a difficult game for the Gers, with Hearts having just announced a new manager in Ian Cathro and the punters in the Tavern are wary of the impact a new boss can have on a side.

So, with all this in mind, here’s the XI to spoil Cathro’s party this weekend.

GK: Wes Foderingham

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Not much more to be said about Foderingham, who provides the Gers with a strong base from which to build, as well as being an athletic shot-stopper between the sticks.

RB: James Tavernier

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Dropped for the game with the Dons, James Tavernier has a point to prove to Warburton.

Still, his attacking enterprise could be crucial if Rangers really want to create overloads to make the most out of their possession.

CB: Rob Kiernan

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Looked strong enough against the Dons and will be tasked with keeping a decent Hearts side at bay.

The 25-year-old needs to be a constant in the backline if Warburton hopes for consistency.

CB: Danny Wilson

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With Clint Hill banned for the game following his sending off against Aberdeen, it could afford Danny Wilson the chance to reclaim his starting berth.

LB: Lee Wallace

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Hugely experienced in Scotland, it’s a big day for Lee Wallace, who faces his former side as a Rangers stalwart.

The skipper will need to lead by example if the Gers are to hold off Hearts.

CM: Jason Holt

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Another man to have previously played for Saturday’s opposition, Jason Holt has been one of the Gers’ top performers with his typically all-action midfield displays.

CM: Andy Halliday

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Not the most gifted footballer in the world, holding midfielder Andy Halliday bleeds blue and is one of few Warburton can always count on to put more than a shift in.

Huge game for him, Halliday knows the importance of this.

RW: Barrie McKay

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Will be the man tasked with pulling off that extra bit of quality to help find a way past a Hearts side desperate to impress their brand new boss.

With high pressure expected, the Scotland international will need to be quick on his feet to exploit space.

CAM: Michael O’Halloran

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Not the most conventional No.10 in the world, expect Michael O’Halloran to push up behind the central striker to help create a two-pronged attack when Rangers have the ball.

That sort of versatility could be key.

LW: Joe Garner

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Again, not the most natural pure winger in the world, but Joe Garner has proved a decent option when coming in from the left and causing havoc in the penalty area.

ST: Joe Dodoo

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It may well be tempting to hand the hugely experienced Kenny Miller a starting berth, but surely Joe Dodoo’s pace would be a better option when pushing forward.

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