Hibernian and Rangers will clash at the Easter Road Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the final match of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season.
The hosts have already secured third-place in the standings, while the visitors are also already ensured to place second in the league table.
Match preview
© Imago
Since returning to the Scottish Premiership with a Championship-winning campaign in 2016-17, Hibernian have frequently competed for European football, but they have fallen short in securing it over the past three seasons.
However, David Gray's side have already ensured qualification to the Europa League for next campaign with a third-placed finish, sitting four points above fourth-placed Aberdeen and trailing second-placed Rangers by 17 points.
That represents a remarkable turnaround from Hibs, who endured a dismal start to the season, sitting bottom of the league table on matchday 16 with just two wins, six draws and eight defeats.
After a 3-0 defeat to Celtic on matchday 16, Gray swiftly turned Hibernian's fortunes around with an impressive 17-game unbeaten run, securing third place before the league split, and a record of one win, one draw and two defeats post-split was enough to hold onto that position.
Now aiming to end the campaign on a high, Hibernian will look to secure back-to-back victories against the Gers, having failed to achieve that since three successive wins between 2016 and 2017.
As for Rangers, while they are confirmed to place second in the Scottish Premiership, it has been far from a successful campaign for the Gers.
Rangers, under Philippe Clement, quickly fell behind their Old Firm rivals in the title race, enduring their worst start to a league season after 12 games since their return to the top flight in 2016-17.
While Rangers did briefly improve, periods of inconsistency and several disappointing results, highlighted by a 1-0 defeat to Queen's Park in the Scottish FA Cup, led to the dismissal of Clement.
Barry Ferguson was appointed interim manager until the end of the season, tasked with restoring pride and belief within the squad and fan base, while also seeking to impress with hopes of securing the role permanently.
Ferguson has also had an inconsistent time at the helm, winning four of his first six games before a winless run of six matches, but they are looking to end the campaign on a high, with back-to-back victories heading into this one.
The former Gers midfielder received a memorable send-off in what could be his final match at Ibrox, as Rangers secured a 3-1 victory last time out, making it seven points from their last three home games - a notable improvement after failing to win in Ferguson's first four home fixtures.
Now looking to continue that run and potentially end his Rangers career, which included 431 appearances as a player, Ferguson will be desperate for a final-day triumph.
Team News
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Hibernian are anticipated to be without the services of Hyeok-Kyu Kwon (ankle), Joe Newell (groin) and Thody Elie Youan (toe) for Saturday's match due to ongoing injury issues.
Martin Boyle and Mykola Kukharevych both scored in the 2-2 draw with St Mirren last time out, with Junior Hoilett providing both assists, meaning the front three is likely to remain the same.
Lewis Miller, Rocky Bushiri Kiranga and Jack Iredale are likely to retain their places in defence, while Nicky Cadden and Christopher Cadden could start from wide positions.
As for the visitors, Rangers are set to be without Ridvan Yilmaz, Dujon Sterling and Ianis Hagi on Saturday due to ongoing injury issues.
Jack Butland returned to the starting 11 against Dundee United, and the goalkeeper is expected to feature alongside James Tavernier, John Souttar, Leon Balogun and Jefte in defence.
Cyriel Dessers scored twice in that 3-1 victory, and the striker is likely to be named alongside Vaclav Cerny and Hamza Igamane in attack, with Mohammed Diomande playing as an advanced midfielder.
Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Smith; Miller, Kiranga, Iredale; C Cadden, Triantis, Levitt, N Cadden; Boyle, Kukharevych, Hoilett
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte; Barron, Raskin; Cerny, Diomande, Igamane; Dessers
We say: Hibernian 2-1 Rangers
Hibernian will be hopeful of capping off a fantastic season with a home victory against the Gers, and after defeating Rangers 2-0 in their last meeting, we expect another triumph for the hosts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
