The year-end clash between Rangers and Celtic is one of the most awaited ones in recent times as Rangers need to come up with three points to make the title race more interesting. They also have a great chance to show their improvement under Steven Gerrard which has been doubted by many after some recent results.
Celtic have had the upper hand in this fixture for quite some time now, and Rangers would hope that the tides turn in this tie when they face each other at Ibrox. However, given the form both teams have shown in the past month, the Hoops are likely to go in as favourites yet again.
Team News
Rangers
Steven Gerrard is likely to struggle to get his best eleven out on the pitch as the likes of Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent and Gareth McAuley are all doubtful and are likely to be assessed closer to the matchday. However, the manager has asked his players to play through the pain barrier and said (Daily Record),”Sometimes you have to dig deep into the reserves and play through it (Pain). If the injury doesn’t let you do that, tell me. Look me in the eye and say, ‘I can’t do it’. Then we’ll go with what we’ve got. Sometimes you have to go into football matches and play through a little bit of pain, especially the magnitude of the game that’s coming up.”
Connor Goldson also went off early in the last game against the Hibs, but he is expected to be fit. Graham Dorrans, Jamie Murphy and Borna Barisic are long-term absentees at the moment.
Celtic
The Hoops, on the other hand, have got lucky with their injuries as Odsonne Edouard, Dedryck Boyata, Mikael Lustig and Ryan Christie have recovered in time for this big-ticket clash. The only major worry for Brendan Rodgers is Kieran Tierney’s injury, and he looks doubtful at the moment because of his recurring hip issue. From the fringes of the squad, Eboue Kouassi and Daniel Arzani are set to miss out but losing those two is not any kind of a blow to the manager.
Predicted Lineup
Rangers- Expected formation (4-3-3)
A.McGregor; Goldson, McAuley, Tavernier, Halliday; McCrorie, Coulibaly, Jack; Middleton, Candeias; Morelos.
Celtic- Expected formation (4-2-3-1)
Gordon; Boyata, Benkovic, Hayes, Lustig; Ntcham, C.McGregor, Christie, Forrest, Sinclair; Edouard.
Key Men
Rangers
Without a doubt, Alfredo Morelos would have to pull through if Rangers want a positive result. The Colombian has the ability to create something out of nothing and can be a real handful for the Hoops’ defence. However, Gerrard would hope that the Colombian can limit his altercation with the referees and opponents to make sure he stays on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. In goal, Allan McGregor also needs to play a significant part.
Celtic
Odsonne Edouard was the real game changer when he came on against Aberdeen in the last game, and he would be hungry for more. His physical prowess and pace could be tough for the Gers to handle. James Forrest has gone off the boil in the last few games, but he too is likely to have a major impact in the Old Firm derby.
Odds
Celtic Win: 19/20
Rangers Win: 13/5
Draw: 11/4
