Rangers vs Hibs: McInnes Hunts a First Win on his Ibrox League Bow

Rangers vs Hibs is the fixture that finally gives Derek McInnes a home Scottish Premiership stage, and the Gers badly need it to go well.

This weekend’s clash with Hibernian is Rangers’ first domestic game at Ibrox this season, and it arrives with the new manager still searching for a first competitive win after a stuttering opening fortnight.

The pressure is real. McInnes knows results are required while the team building continues.

A 1-1 draw at Dundee United on the opening weekend of the campaign was followed by a chastening midweek defeat that brought unwanted European records to Ibrox. With the Europa League second leg against Jagiellonia Bialystok looming at home on Thursday, McInnes cannot afford another misfire in front of his own supporters.

What Rangers vs Hibs means for McInnes

The players know the standard has to rise.

Speaking to BBC Sport, defender Ross McCrorie said Rangers need to be more “ruthless” and cut out the “small mistakes” that have cost them so far. That’s a candid admission that the early-season errors have to stop.

Beat Hibs and the mood around Ibrox shifts overnight, with momentum built just in time for that European decider.

Slip up again, and the questions facing McInnes will only grow louder. Three points on the board is the only acceptable outcome.