Rangers head into the second leg of their Scottish Premiership playoff semi-final with Hibernian knowing that they only have to avoid defeat after securing a 2-0 victory in Wednesday's first leg.
Hibs will take heart from having defeated the Glasgow giants on three occasions this campaign, but they face an uphill task if they are to move through to the final against Motherwell.
Hibernian
© Getty Images
Despite a solid campaign where qualification for the playoffs was never really in doubt, Hibernian have spent the last nine months in the shadow of local rivals Hearts, who raced to the Scottish Championship title.
With the regular season over, their appearance in the playoffs represents their chance to share glory with Hearts, but they face an uphill task to join them in the top flight after suffering defeat in the first leg.
Manager Alan Stubbs wouldn't have been too disappointed with their display at Ibrox, but the 2-0 defeat is ultimately significant and they will be aware that they realistically need three goals to remain in the tie.
Before the setback on Wednesday night, they had ended their campaign with five victories in a row, which included three points over Hearts.
The Edinburgh outfit netted 14 goals during that period, including a run from Jason Cummings which saw him net in each contest to take his tally to 20 for the season.
Stubbs will take heart from their three triumphs over Rangers earlier in the season, but they will need their best performance since August if they are to progress through to a meeting with Motherwell.
Recent form: WWWWWL
Recent form (all competitions): WLWWWL
Rangers
© Getty Images
Like their opponents, Rangers have known for a while that this season has been all about preparation for the playoffs, and so far, they have handled the experience well.
Coming through a tight two-legged encounter with Queen of the South was ideal ahead of their clash with Hibs, and although they were tested on Wednesday night, they managed to grind out a result.
Boss Stuart McCall admitted that the scoreline flattered his side, but it extended his run in charge of the club to just one defeat in 14 games.
The Gers travelled to Easter Road for McCall's third game in charge, with goals from Lee Wallace and Kenny Miller helping the club record a 2-0 win.
Miller's goal in midweek was the second time that he had scored against his former club in two months, and another strike on Saturday will strengthen his side's chances of getting over the line.
The Glasgow giants will have to deal with the pressure of moving a step nearer promotion, but aside from a slow start in the second leg against Queen of the South, they have handled the expectation well.
Recent form: WDDWDW
Team News
Rangers midfielder Dean Shiels is expected to keep his place in the side despite playing through the pain barrier on Wednesday evening.
The Northern Ireland international withdrew from training earlier this week, but after playing 76 minutes in the first leg, he should feature at Easter Road.
McCall has revealed that other players are suffering with knocks, but he is unlikely to make alterations unless they worsen before kickoff.
Despite facing a deficit, Stubbs could name the same starting lineup after being satisfied with the performance of his players in midweek.
Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Oxley, Gray, Hanlon, Fontaine, Stevenson, Robertson, Fyvie, Craig, Allan, Malonga, Cummings
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Bell, Foster, McGregor, Zaliukas, Wallace, Murdoch, Shiels, Law, Vuckic, Clark, Miller
Head To Head
Rangers dominate the head-to-head record between the two sides, winning on 49 occasions compared to Hibs prevailing 13 times.
The Glasgow side have also won the last two fixtures, but Hibs recorded three successive victories earlier in the campaign.
However, they have only registered one win over Rangers at Easter Road in 15 attempts.
We say: Hibernian 1-1 Rangers
Hibernian need to force the pace on Saturday afternoon and that could see Rangers come under pressure from the opening whistle. However, McCall's side have already shown during the playoffs that they can cope in defence and they should have enough to grind out a result at Easter Road.
Darren Plant
