The two most successful clubs in Scotland will go head to head against each other on Saturday. Celtic and Rangers share a bitter rivalry between them and the Old firm Derby is one of the biggest local derbies in world football. Scottish Premiership missed this blockbuster fixture for four long years due to Rangers’ absence from the top tier of Scottish football which makes Saturday’s game even more crucial.
Celtic hold the upper hand over their arch rivals heading into the game with home advantage and a real momentum in favour of them. Even though Rangers are unbeaten this season, they are one point behind the Hoops on the table despite playing one more game. Ahead of the game, let us discuss three questions Rangers fans will have in their minds.
What should be the centre-back pairing?
Celtic are scoring for fun this season and Rangers have been far from solid defensively. So, the Rangers fans have every reason to be worried about how they deal with the free-scoring Celtic attack. Leigh Griffiths has already scored seven goals in all competitions this season from nine games setting up four while the likes of Sinclair, Forrest and Rogic are also in fine form. One big question in the fans’ minds will be, Should Warburton keep his faith his the centre-back pairing of Kiernan or Wilson or look forward to Senderos or Hill due to their experience?
Will Kranjcar Start?
Rangers have looked much different with Kranjcar in the team. The Croat offers the creativity in midfield for the Gers but is not a player who fits in Warburton’s 4-3-3 system. With the experience the former Spurs midfielder possesses, he should definitely start against Celtic. However, Warburton has often opted to leave out the Croat out of the starting XI and has paid for it. Rangers fans will root for the 32-year-old to start against their biggest rivals but will Warburton listen to them? Only time will tell.
Where will Martyn Waghorn start? Out Wide or up front?
Rangers have sorely missed their first-choice striker Waghorn in the last few games as the Englishman was out with injury. Experienced striker Kenny Miller did a decent job in his absence and with his enormous experience in big games, he should be an assured starter. So, how will Waghorn fit into the starting XI? Should Warburton bench Miller and replace him with Waghorn or hand the 26-year-old a start on the right flank? It remains a big question and for answers, we have to wait for Saturday.
