In what promises to be an absolute blockbuster of an encounter between Scottish football’s most renowned teams, Rangers and Celtic are set to face off at the Ibrox Stadium this weekend. The last meeting between the two Old Firm clubs saw Steven Gerrard’s side come away as comfortable winners, as Neil Lennon’s men were left completely embarrassed by the attacking brand of football that Rangers produced. This fixture though, is of much higher prominence, as another Rangers win could spell the beginning of the end of Celtic’s attempt to secure ten in a row this season.
Team News
Rangers
The Ibrox club have been in sensational form over the course of the season so far, and a lot of that is down to the fact that Steven Gerrard has had a full strength roster to choose from for the most part. While the early-season injuries did hurt them a little, they have since turned things around. Nikola Katic and Ryan Jack are the only two players who are not going to play any part in this Old Firm derby.
Predicted XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic, Davis, Kamara, Aribo, Roofe, Morelos, Kent
Celtic
Neil Lennon doesn’t have that many injuries to be worried about going into this fixture either. The one absence that could hinder their performance on the weekend is that of French defender Christopher Jullien, who hobbled off the pitch in the win against Dundee United last time out. Another player who is not going to play any part in this match is speedy winger James Forrest, who remains sidelined with an issue as well.
Predicted XI: Barkas, Frimpong, Bitton, Ajer, Laxalt, Soro, Christie, Turnbull, McGregor, Edouard, Griffiths
Here Is The Rangers Vs Celtic Tactical Preview:
Rangers Vs Celtic Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Rangers
Steven Gerrard’s men have undoubtedly been the Premiership’s biggest attacking threat, and that trend is likely to continue into this fixture as well. However, it wouldn’t be overly surprising to see the Gers take a slightly more conservative approach than usual, out of respect for their opponents. James Tavernier and Borna Barisic will likely have important parts to play in attack, and Ryan Kent could come into the side to inject some pace and directness to the front-line as well. Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe are both likely to be hungry for goals in the Old Firm derby as well.
Celtic
The Celts are without one of their first-choice centre-halves, which means that they are also likely to be cautious when pushing forward. Neil Lennon’s men will surely have a solid amount of defending to do and making sure that Rangers don’t find space in behind will be of utmost importance to the fixture. At the same time, the manager will be hopeful that Odsonne Edouard is able to regain his form at the right time. David Turnbull will be tasked with finding pockets of space in attack, while Ismaila Soro’s defensive contribution will be essential too.
Key Men
Rangers
The importance of the Rangers attackers is something that needn’t be discussed, but Connor Goldson’s presence is arguably more vital to this fixture. The Englishman was on the scoresheet in the win against Celtic last time out, and his defensive work-rate will be crucial to the Gers’ performance levels.
Celtic
While Odsonne Edouard and David Turnbull have been excellent, the one player that has seemingly transformed this Celtic midfield is Ismaila Soro. The youngster’s defensive work and creative presence will need to come to the fore if Neil Lennon’s men hope to get one over their fiercest rivals this weekend.
