With the season reaching its culmination, Rangers, after losing yet another title race to bitter rivals Celtic, are desperate for a Cup double by seeking revenge on Saturday afternoon. The Old Firm rivals would lock horns at Hampden Park for the Scottish Cup final and the Gers, despite form and fitness concerns, must uplift their game to defy the odds.
The Hoops, on the other hand, defeated Aberdeen in the tie-breaker to secure a berth in the Hampden final; however, they have won six league games on the trot since their 3-3 draw at Ibrox a month and a half ago. This includes a 2-1 win against Rangers two weeks back and the in-form Bhoys would feature as the outright favourites even though the Light Blues have already experienced Hampden glory in the League Cup final. They clinched a 1-0 victory against the Dons back in December, thanks to a second-half strike from captain fantastic James Tavernier.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic
Defence
Despite winning the club’s prestigious Player of the Year award, Jack Butland has missed his spot in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for the Euro 2024. A revelation in Rangers’ goal, the Three Lions custodian must keep his place and exhibit his mastery once again to grab attention south of the border.
Philippe Clement is sweating over the fitness of 35-year-old Leon Balogun who has not featured in recent games due to a muscle strain. John Souttar and Connor Goldson are ruled out already, and the Belgian boss might have to opt for a depleted central defence comprising Leon King and Ben Davies unless the Nigerian is declared fit. James Tavernier should cause menace from the right, also, left fullback Ridvan Yilmaz is expected to start with Borna Barisic not being involved amid exit rumours.
Midfield
Ryan Jack has hardly featured this season with persistent injury problems. Despite making it among the substitutes against Hearts, Clement is unlikely to field the Scotsman at Hampden either. John Lundstram would be back from suspension following his marching order in the most recent Old Firm clash. However, the gaffer must not deploy him deep down the midfield due to his lack of pace and precision against the flair and finesse of Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley and Callum McGregor. Mohammed Diomande could partner with Nicolas Raskin as the ‘double pivot’ ahead of Kieran Dowell and the versatile Dujon Sterling.
Ross McCausland, who has emerged from the academy ranks, deserves a start down the right-hand flank having found the net against Dundee and Hearts on back-to-back occasions. Injuries to Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo could see Abdallah Sima getting the nod over Fabio Silva, Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe. Todd Cantwell has struggled for consistency, yet he is tipped to operate as the ‘number 10’ given the fitness woes of Tom Lawrence.
Attack
Although the absence of Danilo is a significant setback, Cyriel Dessers has improved his numbers after a slow start to life in Glasgow while spearheading the attack. He pulled one back in their 2-1 Parkhead defeat and his form of late could be deemed as a welcome boost for the Ibrox chief.
