Rangers will take on their arch-rivals Celtic in the second Old-Firm Derby this season and this time, it’s the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup. The humiliation the Gers faced against their local rivals last month will be still fresh in the fans’ memories and Mark Warburton’s boys will be looking for a sweet revenge over their rivals.
Rangers had an inconsistent start to their season but after two back to back wins in their last two games, a win against the Hoops can give them real momentum as well as a chance to bring another silverware to their rich trophy cabinet.
Celtic thrashed Rangers in the first Old Firm Derby this season. The game ended 5-1 with blushes to the faces of the fans. Celtic are yet to be beaten in domestic football this season but won’t be in the right mood after their 0-2 loss against Borussia Monchengladbach at Celtic Park this midweek.
We have to wait and see how Rangers boss Mark Warburton lines up his team against Celtic. Will he go with the winning formula or make some big changes in personnel looking at the weight of the clash?
Here is the predicted Rangers lineup against Celtic-
Defence
Wes Foderingham should keep his place under the bar with ease ahead of veteran Matt Gilks. James Tavernier and Lee Wallace will start in the two full-back positions. The two full-backs excel with their attacking forays from down the flanks but have to ensure that they do not make their team defensively vulnerable.
Celtic have quality wingers in Forrest and Sinclair who can tear apart their defence and they have to keep them silent. Rob Kiernan should start at the heart of the defence alongside Scottish international Danny Wilson. Rangers need pace in their defence to deal with the likes of Griffiths or Dembele and Hill or Senderos cannot offer that.
Midfield
Andy Halliday should start in defensive midfield. With Joey Barton suspended by Rangers, Halliday has done an excellent job in holding midfield of late and will be looking to keep up his excellent form.
Jason Holt provides a lot of energy in the middle of the park and should keep his place in the starting XI. We expect Niko Kranjcar to keep his place in the middle of the park after his impressive display against Celtic.
Attack
Kenny Miller is likely to start up front as the target man with Martyn Waghorn operating as a wide forward from the right flank. Barrie McKay will keep his place on the left.
