Rangers are yet to be beaten under Steven Gerrard, but their litmus test would come against their arch-rivals Celtic when they travel to Parkhead to take on the defending champions. Both the teams have secured their place in the Europa League group stages but one can make out that the Gers would be the happier lot as Celtic missed out on Champions League qualification.
The Gers complicated matters for themselves in the last encounter against FC Ufa as they played close to half hour of the game with just nine men. One could easily make out that the players were exhausted as they defended tirelessly throughout the game and that must have taken a massive toll on those players. On the other hand, Celtic went through smoothly as they scored three at home. Plus they played the game at home and the Gers are coming back from Russia so all these factors have already tilted the game slightly in favour of the Hoops.
Nevertheless, the Rangers fans would hope for a performance full of character, and even if they go on to lose, they would want to see their team give a good account of themselves. We believe Gerrard should go with a strong first choice eleven even though most of the players would be tired. But they should all be pumped up to take on their old firm rivals.
Team News
Graham Dorrans, Jamie Murphy, Lee Wallace and Jordan Rossiter are all long-term absentees and would miss the derby clash. Lassana Coulibaly also seems to be in doubt for this encounter.
Rangers Predicted Lineup vs Celtic
Formation (4-4-2)
Defence
Allan McGregor has made some crucial saves so far in the season, and he would have to be at his best in this encounter if he wants to come away with a clean sheet. Centre-back pairing of Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson can’t sit on their laurels for too long, and both would have to come back to reality after the high of making it to the Europa League group stages. This will be the real test for the duo and people are likely to judge them on their performance in the old firm derby.
Jon Flanagan might have gotten a bit of extra rest after he was red carded in the 66th minute against their Russian rivals. Gerrard would hope for a more responsible performance from his fullback, and he should start on the right side of the defence. New signing Borna Barisic could be given a taste of the derby game, and the Croatian international should start from the left to finish the back four.
Midfield
Gerrard would need an experienced man to start in midfield, and Scott Arfield is likely to get the nod to start in the middle of the park. Ovie Ejaria has been peaking since the last few games, and it would be tough for Gerrard not to start him even though he gave his all in the midweek encounter. In the right-hand side of midfield, Jamer Tavernier should shift from his usual right-back role to start in a slightly advanced position in midfield. He should provide good cover while tracking back. Ryan Kent should start down the left flank to complete the midfield four.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos didn’t feature for the full game against Ufa so he would be raring to prove his naysayers wrong in this game. He is likely to be partnered by Kyle Lafferty up front. Lafferty has already scored a goal this season against the Hoops when he was with Hearts.
