FOLLOWING another break in play for international football – Rangers are back in action this afternoon.

Hearts’ visit poses arguably the biggest game of the season so far for the hosts. A win would see the Gorgie club climb to the summit of the Premiership table.

Robbie Neilson’s side remain unbeaten in eight outings so far. However, this will be the biggest test yet faced by a relatively new-look team.

Joshua Barrie and Jonny McFarlane have their say on who should make the starting XI tomorrow.

Jonny McFarlane

Steven Gerrard will be well aware of the threat posed by Robbie Neilson's unbeaten Hearts.

The Jambos have enjoyed a superb summer signing spree and have match-winning talent in many areas, not least in former Rangers winger Barrie McKay and top scorer Liam Boyce.

It's a big test of the Ibrox side's ambitions for a second title on the bounce. However, Rangers should go into this one full of confidence given the alacrity that marked their win over Hibs before the break.

Given the nature of the challenge, it's unlikely to be too experimental a line-up with the tried and tested favoured.

READ MORE: Why Rangers should prioritise attacks down Hearts' left against transition-repellant formation

Steven Davis has played two games for Northern Ireland over the break and is likely to be rested in favour of in-form John Lundstram at the base of midfield.

Rangers sides should always have a threat in behind and as such, Fashion Sakala or Scott Wright should be part of the front trio. Wright has blown hot and cold at times, struggling for the level of consistency demanded by an expectant support.

Sakala is a man who needs a run of games to get settled. His goal threat puts him ahead in my book - especially after his special goal on international duty for Zambia.

Refreshed after an international break without a call-up, Alfredo Morelos will lead the line and will look to hit a purple patch after his excellent header against Hibs.

Rangers: McGregor, Tavernier, Barisic, Goldson, Balogun, Aribo, Lundstram, Kamara, Hagi, Sakala, Morelos.

Joshua Barrie

As covered in The Rangers Review’s Hearts preview – Neilson’s side sit second for a reason.

They are a well-structured team and the 3-4-3 in use compliments the strengths of key individuals. As such, Gerrard will be mindful of negating this in setting up his team.

Nathan Patterson should probably start the game on form, but James Tavernier has earned the trust of Gerrard over his tenure. Particularly given Patterson has been away on international duty - I’d expect the captain to return.

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Leon Balogun will presumably partner Connor Goldson. However, with a European tie in midweek it’s not improbable Jack Simpson is given the nod.

In midfield, John Lundstram presumaby retains his spot as the No.6 – Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo should make up the compliment. Kamara will be integral to play through Hearts.

With no Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe in transit on Friday back from international duty – expect Fashion Sakala, Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi to form the front three.

Gerrard’s team undoubtedly need a player to stretch the pitch and provide offensive depth – a trait Sakala can offer along with his off the ball work.

Predicted line-up: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic, Lundstram, Kamara, Aribo, Sakala, Hagi, Morelos