Despite a scintillating European form, Rangers have fallen behind Celtic in the Premiership race. The upcoming Glasgow derby on Sunday afternoon is a must-win for the Gers who suffered a 3-0 humiliation when these two sides locked horns at Celtic Park earlier this year.
While the Light Blues would aim for revenge at Ibrox, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has endured a significant blow with star striker Alfredo Morelos potentially ruled out after arriving at the airport on crutches. The Colombian joined the national camp for the World Cup qualifiers, but an injury refrained him from being involved against Bolivia and Venezuela. Rangers clinched a narrow 1-0 victory back in August in their previous Ibrox tie and the gaffer, therefore, must find a way to replicate a similar outcome to be back in the title hunt.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic
Defence
Allan McGregor revived lately after a few erroneous outings. He is still going strong at the age of 40 and his experience between the sticks might make a difference in this Glasgow derby.
Skipper James Tavernier needs to show his attacking expertise down the right-hand flank with marauding runs, crosses, cut insides and set-piece attributes. Connor Goldson should keep his place in the heart of the backline alongside Leon Balogun who must shake off the shambles with Nigeria who lost out to Ghana for a place at the World Cup. Calvin Bassey, the fellow Super Eagles international, is now the preferred left-back option over Borna Barisic following the latter’s dreadful derby display in February.
Midfield
Meanwhile, Van Bronckhorst would undergo a selection dilemma in the centre of the pitch. John Lundstram is an assured starter after an impressive run of games, whereas Ryan Jack is likely to form a double pivot as he returned unscathed from his Scotland duties. Glen Kamara, Steven Davies, Scott Arfield and James Sands must stay patient and wait for their opportunities.
Aaron Ramsey is finally proving his worth after a difficult start to life in Glasgow. He is expected to operate as an attacking playmaker which should see Joe Aribo shifting down the right, exhibiting his flexibility in the middle of the park. They are likely to interchange their position to trouble the visitors, but the flair and prowess of Ryan Kent must be utilized strictly from the left-hand flank.
Attack
Amid growing uncertainties over Morelos’ availability, the manager might rely on Kemar Roofe to spearhead the Rangers’ attack. A massive test awaits the Jamaica international who fired in a crucial late winner against Aberdeen a few weeks back. The likes of Fashion Jr, Amad Diallo and Scott Wright are also capable of adding variation in the attacking third.
