Rangers have a huge clash this weekend, as they welcome fierce rivals Celtic at the Ibrox for the first Old Firm clash of this season. The Teddy Bears have endured a rough Scottish League Cup match this midweek, against Patrick Thistle. Rangers had to work hard for their hard-fought win over the Jags. However, the Scottish giants will be hopeful, against a Celtic side, who also have a key Champions League fixture against Anderlecht next week.
Here’s the predicted Rangers lineup to feature against their fierce rivals this weekend.
Goalkeeper: Second choice keeper Jan Ainwick feature in the midweek fixture against Patrick Thistle. He will be replaced by the first choice Wes Fotheringham this weekend. The 26-year-old hasn’t had a great start to the campaign and will be looking to make amends against Celtic.
Right Back: James Tavernier will start as the right back on Saturday. The English fullback was beaten in the air for Thistle’s equalizer. He’ll be looking for a better performance this time around.
Center Back(R): Fabio Cardoso struggled in the game against Thistle. But the fans will hope that the Portuguese defensive partnership can lead them to a clean sheet against the high-octane Celtic attack.
Center Back(L): Rangers’ cup victory against Patrick Thistle came at a cost as defensive mainstay Bruno Alves picked up an injury which might rule him out this weekend. However, we can expect the Portuguese to get back to full fitness.
Left Back: Declan John also caught a slight niggle but is expected to be fit for the clash against Celtic. He’ll deputize the currently injured club captain Lee Wallace.
Right Midfield: Daniel Candeias was the mastermind behind their win in midweek. The former Benfica winger was directly involved in all three of Rangers’ goals. He will the focal point of the hosts’ attack against Celtic.
Central Midfield(R): Jack Dorrans will serve as one of Rangers’ double pivot midfield system. Head coach Pedro Caixinha will hope that their midfield could outperform the Celtic players, therefore Dorrans is set to play a crucial role this weekend.
Central Midfield(L): Ryan Jack will probably partner alongside Jack Dorrans in the Rangers midfield. His passing and distribution and the attacking potency will be crucial as Rangers aim to outmanoeuvre the Celtic defence.
Left Wing: Josh Windass might get his opportunity to start against the Hoops. However, he needs to improve on his decision-making in the final third, if he is to make an impact in the much-awaited derby this weekend.
Center Forward: New signing Alfredo Morelos has been in outstanding form this season and he could very well make the difference if given the chance. His contribution to the offensive department will be vital for the home side’s chances against the table toppers.
Center Forward: It will be interesting to see who starts alongside Morelos in the attacking frontline for Rangers. Veteran striker Kenny Miller is always an option but Caixinha could well be tempted to give Eduardo Herrera a berth in the starting lineup, largely thanks to his impressive performance after coming on as a substitute in the game against Thistle. He played a part in the second goal, before scoring the third by himself.
Here is how they might line up:
