Michael Stewart watched Hibs' quick winger Martin Boyle cause Rangers significant problems on Sunday and wonders if Celtic will look to use a similar strategy.
The Australia international positioned himself expertly to exploit space left by Borna Barisic and Nathan Patterson's forward runs as he proved a constant thorn in the Ibrox rearguard's side.
The Hoops adjusted from their regular diamond formation to a 4-3-3 shape against Livingston on Saturday as they trampled over the top of the West Lothian outfit in a 6-0 victory. Wingers Moi Elyounoussi and James Forrest were both on the scoresheet, with the Norwegian grabbing a double.
And Stewart ruminated over interim boss John Kennedy making the tactical adjustment with the upcoming Scottish Cup tie with their bitter rivals in mind.
He told the BBC: “The key to getting at Rangers, and it’s not easy, is to try to exploit in behind the full-backs quickly in transition and Hibs do it very well.
“They’ve got a player in Martin Boyle who works that inside-right channel perfectly. All game they have been able to get in there and exploit. Jack Ross will be very disappointed.
“Just to fast forward to next week the interesting thing here is those inside channels, down the sides of the centre-halves, where the full-backs can get exposed.
“When you looked at the performance yesterday from Celtic, so many occasions Mohamed Elyounoussi and James Forrest were playing in those inside forward areas and running beyond.
“I’m just wondering if John Kennedy changed that formation yesterday with this game against Rangers in mind, trying to work on that, running beyond. That is what Hibs have done non-stop.”
