So, Hibs are sticking with the same back five that conceded four to Falkirk... The fact there are no defenders among David Gray's substitutes suggests the head coach doesn't have much choice.

That's maybe a slight exaggeration since Nicky Cadden is fit again and is an option at left wing-back, although he is definitely stronger going forward than helping out in defence.

Despite naming a strong side to play Porto, head coach Danny Rohl has made five changes to his side - including a real surprise.

In defence, Dujon Sterling and John Souttar come into a back four. It was thought Sterling was still a few weeks away from full fitness.

Recent signings Tochi Chukwuani and Andreas Skov Olsen are restored, having been ineligible for Europe, while Thelo Aasgaard is playing behind the striker.

James Tavernier, Nasser Djiga, Max Aarons and Mohamed Diomande drop to the bench, while Findlay Curtis has departed to join Kilmarnock on loan.

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The Kieron Bowie-shaped hole in Hibs' forward line is filled by Elie Youan.

Joe Newell is also into the team, replacing injured Jamie McGrath in the only two changes from last weekend's sobering 4-1 defeat at Falkirk.

David Gray is still missing Warren O'Hora and Josh Mulligan and there is no sign of record signing Thibault Klidje again, but the home boss is boosted by three new signings, Kai Andrews, Dane Scarlett and Owen Elding.

Midfielder Jacob MacIntyre, currently on loan at Arbroath, joins that trio on the home bench.

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Hibs seemed to be ticking along quite nicely after a five-game unbeaten sequence since losing 1-0 at Ibrox in mid-December.

However, the wheels have come off dramatically in recent weeks, with a shock Scottish Cup exit at Dunfermline followed by a 4-1 thumping at Falkirk.

And they've just sold top scorer Kieron Bowie.

Reports suggest Hellas Verona are paying between £6m and £7m for the 23-year-old, which represents a healthy profit once Fulham take their sell-on cut, but it does leave a big hole to fill up front.

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Hibernian: Sallinger, Bushiri, Hanley, Iredale, Megwa, Chaiwa, Barlaser, Newell, Obita, Youan, Boyle.

Substitutes: Smith, Levitt, N Cadden, Hoilett, Andrews, MacIntyre, Molotnikov, Scarlett, Elding.

Rangers: Butland, Sterling, Souttar, Fernandez, Meghoma, Raskin, Chukwuani, Skov Olsen, Aasgaard, Gassama, Chermiti.

Substitutes: Kelly, Djiga, Aarons, Tavernier, Diomande, Antman, Bajrami, Moore, Miovski.

Hearts keep on churning out good results and that keeps the pressure piled on chasing duo Rangers and Celtic.

The table-topping Jambos are seven points clear of Rangers, who visit Hibs today and nine better off than the reigning champions, who host Falkirk.

How will the Old Firm respond?

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