After a dreadful past few months, Rangers are slowly rebuilding momentum under new boss Michael Beale. They are yet to drop a point post-winter break, but the first major test awaits on Monday afternoon when they will host their bitter rivals Celtic in the season’s second and the year’s first Old Firm derby.
The reverse tie at Parkhead turned out to be a humiliation for the Light Blues. The high-flying Hoops clinched a commanding 4-0 win early into the campaign, but they might find it tricky this time around despite having a nine-point cushion at the top of the Premiership standings.
Rangers vs Celtic: Talking Tactics
Beale is sticking to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s 4-2-3-1 formation, but the Gers are more aggressive now in terms of attacking transitions. He knows the team from his time as Steven Gerrard’s assistant, and therefore, settled in quickly after a few edgy encounters. Rangers should try to keep the ball in midfield and construct swift passing moves to frustrate their Glasgow rivals.
Celtic, on the other hand, have dominated all their fixtures with some slick and free-flowing football. The ball-playing ability of the centre-backs, flexibility in midfield and sharpness upfront have scripted a joyous ride so far since Ange Potecoglou’s appointment as the Parkhead boss.
Team News
Rangers
Rangers are likely to have Antonio Colak and Kemar Roofe back in the matchday squad. Ianis Hagi is still recovering from his knee injury suffered a year ago, whereas the likes of John Souttar and Filip Helander continue to be sidelined with long-term issues. Steven Davis is ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging his cruciate ligament, but the gaffer expects to have Ridvan Yilmaz and Tom Lawrence back in a few weeks’ time.
Rangers Predicted XI
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic; Lundstram, Jack; Sakala, Tillman, Kent; Morelos.
Celtic
The Bhoys do not have significant injury problems other than Stephen Welsh and James McCarthy who are unavailable due to their respective fitness concerns. Although the absence of Sead Haksabanovic is a setback, the Hoops are well-equipped down the wide with Liel Abada, Filipe Jota, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest all contesting for first-team spots.
Celtic Predicted XI
Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate; Jota, Maeda, Furuhashi
Key Men
Rangers
Skipper James Tavernier must maintain his composure in the defensive third but, at the same time, should exhibit his mastery high up the pitch with marauding runs, crosses, cut insides and set-piece expertise. Malik Tillman is enjoying a great run of form, and so is Fashion Sakala who has been majestic from the right-hand flank.
Celtic
Callum McGregor must pull the strings from the centre of the pitch, and the lethal attacking trio of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Jota would cause menace in the Rangers’ backline.
Rangers vs Celtic: Streaming Links
| Country | Broadcaster |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports |
