This weekend, the biggest footballing event in Scotland will take place as Celtic host arch-rivals Rangers in the first Old Firm Derby in the Premiership after four long years. Since their liquidation, Rangers had been absent from the top tier of Scottish football for which this game will be a highly anticipated one. Rangers and Celtic share a century-old bitter rivalry which is one of the biggest in world football.
The last time the two Scottish giants met each other in the Premiership was in April 2012 and Celtic came out 3-0 winners. The two Glasgow giants met each other just twice after that, both times in Cup competitions both winning one game each. Rangers defeated Celtic 7-6 on penalties last season in the semi-final of the Scottish FA Cup after a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes and the hosts will be giving everything to get rid of that memory and get all three points from this match.
Celtic hold the upper hand heading into this game with form and momentum on their side but Rangers have what it takes to overturn the equation. Let us take a look at what lineup Warburton could go for in this classic encounter.
Defence
Wes Foderingham will start under the bar ahead of Matt Gilks. Mark Warburton is unlikely to make any alterations to the back four that played against Kilmarnock before the international break in a 1-1 draw. Danny Wilson and Rob Kiernan should start at the heart of the Rangers defence while James Tavernier and Lee Wallace should start in the full-back positions.
Midfield
Joey Barton should be an undisputed starter in the middle of the park with the immense experience he has at the highest level. Characters like him are what the Old Firm derby needs but he has to ensure that he keeps his head cool and does not do anything foolish. Jordan Rossiter should start alongside Barton in the middle of the park considering the energy and tenacity he has in his young legs.
Niko Kranjcar is likely to start as the number ten and will look to unlock the Celtic defence. Martyn Waghorn is back from injury and is in line for a start on the right flank. Harry Forrester is likely to get the nod ahead of Barrie McKay on the left.
Attack
Veteran Kenny Miller can prove to be the match-winner in such games with his experience and is likely to spearhead Rangers’ attack in this crucial game.
