This Sunday, Rangers are returning to Hampden, and a former player believes they are making progress under their new manager, Philippe Clement. The Belgian coach has introduced four noticeable improvements to the Rangers team. Despite this, one pundit doesn’t think it would be a major surprise if they were defeated in the cup.
Rangers are set to face Hearts in the Viaplay Cup semi-final at Hampden, just a week after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hearts, with Rangers scoring late goals in the 89th and 93rd minutes. Clement’s team is heading to the national stadium following a 5-0 win against Dundee, extending his unbeaten run to four games since taking over as the manager, with the prospect of winning silverware now in sight.
Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds, while acknowledging the positive start under the former Club Brugge manager, suggests that Hearts boss Steven Naismith emerging as the victor wouldn’t be a major shock to him. Dodds points to Hearts’ recent performance against Rangers and highlights the attacking threat posed by players like Lawrence Shankland and Liam Boyce.
He also notes that Rangers seem to have regained their edge, playing with higher tempo and displaying more energy under Clement, something they were lacking under Michael Beale. The team has become more clinical in front of goal. Dodds concludes that if Rangers continue their midweek form, Hearts might struggle, but Steven Naismith’s team has the potential to cause a minor upset. It wouldn’t be a major shock if Hearts beat Rangers, but rather a smaller surprise, and they enter the match with confidence.
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