Rangers vs Hibernian: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | 9 August 2026

Rangers vs Hibernian prediction: Rangers are still searching for their first victory under Derek McInnes after a difficult opening week, while Hibernian arrive buoyed by a European win. Ibrox should demand a response, but Hibs have enough attacking threat to make this uncomfortable.

Match Details

Match Preview

Rangers welcome Hibernian to Ibrox on Sunday for their second Scottish Premiership fixture of the 2026-27 campaign.

Neither club started the league season with a victory. Rangers had to recover from behind to draw 1-1 with Dundee United, while Hibs suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Motherwell.

Both sides have also been balancing European commitments. Rangers followed their league draw with a damaging 2-1 defeat away to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying, whereas Hibernian beat Shkendija 2-1 in the first leg of their Conference League third-round tie.

That contrast places additional pressure on Derek McInnes and his new-look Rangers side to deliver their first competitive victory of the season.

Rangers Team Analysis

Rangers enter the campaign attempting to recover from a disappointing 2025-26 season in which they finished third and 10 points behind champions Celtic.

Danny Rohl subsequently departed for Red Bull Salzburg, opening the door for former Hearts manager McInnes to take charge at Ibrox.

McInnes arrived alongside Lawrence Shankland and Cameron Devlin as Rangers reshaped their squad for a renewed title challenge.

Pre-season offered encouragement through a 2-1 victory over Saint-Etienne and a goalless draw with West Ham United, but competitive football has exposed early problems.

The Gers lacked cutting edge against Dundee United and then suffered a first-leg European defeat in Poland. Sunday therefore represents an important opportunity to restore confidence before trying to overturn that deficit at Ibrox.

Hibernian Team Analysis

Hibernian have experienced a volatile opening to the new season, winning two and losing two of their first four matches in all competitions.

David Gray’s side began with a shock 2-0 defeat to Malisheva in Conference League qualifying, but responded superbly with a 4-1 second-leg victory to advance 4-3 on aggregate.

Their Scottish Premiership opener brought fresh disappointment as Motherwell scored an 85th-minute winner at Easter Road.

Hibs again responded positively in Europe, beating Shkendija 2-1 in the first leg of their third qualifying-round tie.

The visitors now travel to Glasgow knowing they won 2-1 on their most recent trip to Ibrox, giving them a useful psychological reference point.

Tactical Battle

Rangers are likely to use Devlin and Raskin as the midfield base, with Curtis, Aasgaard and Diomande operating behind Shankland.

Hibernian are expected to retain their three-man defensive structure, with Passlack and Mayor operating as wing-backs.

Elding, Lowe and Boyle give the visitors pace and movement across the front line, allowing Hibs to attack quickly whenever Rangers lose possession in advanced areas.

The decisive issue may be whether Rangers can control those transitions while still committing enough players forward to break down Hibernian’s defensive block.

Team News

• Rangers: Connor Barron remains unavailable with a knee injury.
• Rangers: Jose Cifuentes is also sidelined by a knee problem.
• Rangers: Ben Godfrey is doubtful after suffering an injury in the opening league fixture.
• Rangers: Nicolas Raskin, Findlay Curtis, Cameron Devlin and Lawrence Shankland are all candidates to come into the starting XI.
• Hibernian: Nicky Cadden and Jamie McGrath remain unavailable with calf injuries.
• Hibernian: Rocky Bushiri continues his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury.
• Hibernian: Owen Elding should retain his place after scoring twice in his last three matches.
• Hibernian: Nathan Lowe and Martin Boyle are expected to continue alongside Elding in attack.

Predicted Lineups

Rangers predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Pandur; Sterling, McCrorie, Fernandez, Rommens; Devlin, Raskin; Curtis, Aasgaard, Diomande; Shankland.

Hibernian predicted lineup (3-4-3): Sallinger; O’Hora, Kerr, Obita; Passlack, Mulligan, Chaiwa, Mayor; Elding, Lowe, Boyle.

Betting Tips

• Full-time result: Rangers win.
• Both teams to score: Yes.
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
• Double chance: Rangers or draw.
• Correct score: Rangers 2-1 Hibernian.

Score Prediction

Goal.mu predicts: Rangers 2-1 Hibernian.

Hibernian possess enough pace and confidence to threaten a Rangers side that has not looked secure, but the hosts should produce a stronger response at Ibrox. Shankland’s potential return to the starting XI and fresh midfield legs may give Rangers the edge.

Hot Stat

Hibernian won 2-1 on their most recent visit to Ibrox, while Rangers enter this fixture still searching for their first competitive victory of the 2026-27 season.

Final Analysis

Rangers are under considerably more pressure, but their squad depth and home advantage should allow McInnes to refresh the team after the European defeat.

Hibs should make the match competitive and are capable of scoring, particularly in transition. Nevertheless, Rangers are backed to grind out a 2-1 victory and claim their first league win of the new campaign.