Rangers’ top of the table spot is at stake ahead of their trip to Parkhead on Wednesday night. A win in the upcoming Old Firm derby would see Celtic get past the Light Blues in the Premiership standings and the juggernaut of Giovanni van Bronckhorst must shake off the weekend shambles to avoid more misery.
Rangers failed to defend a 3-2 lead against Ross County when an injury-time howler from Allan McGregor allowed the Staggies to snatch a point on Saturday afternoon. Celtic, on the other hand, have shown grit and determination to fight right until the final whistle and their late win versus Dundee United depicts the character and confidence under Ange Postecoglou’s tutelage. The upbeat Hoops must seek revenge this midweek having lost the reverse fixture early into the campaign.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic
Defence
Although at fault against Ross County, Allan McGregor’s experience and expertise between the sticks can’t be underestimated. He is still going strong at 40 and the gaffer should line him up ahead of fellow compatriots Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie.
The Gers have secured the services of Mateusz Żukowski on the winter deadline. However, the Polish right fullback should remain as the understudy to skipper James Tavernier, whereas the towering presence of Connor Goldson would be highly crucial irrespective of his contract conundrum. Calvin Bassey had an underwhelming display last weekend and the manager must opt for Leon Balogun in the heart of the defensive line. Borna Barisic is expected to retain his place down the left-hand side.
Midfield
Rangers have pulled off a deadline day masterclass by securing the services of Aaron Ramsey from Juventus. Although the Wales superstar would miss the Glasgow derby, Van Bronckhorst has ample options to select from in order to figure out the best possible three-man midfield. Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo should drive the show as they have been doing week in week out. Also, the versatility of Scott Arfield must be utilized given his impressive run of form in recent weeks. Steven Davis is struggling with an injury, but the likes of Ryan Jack, James Sands and John Lundstram are there to challenge and cover the preferred trio in the centre of the pitch.
Attack
Kemar Roofe is tipped to spearhead the attack amid the absence of Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian is representing his nation in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers and the Gers will indeed miss his poaching traits in the attacking third. Amad Diallo, on loan from Manchester United, made a scoring debut versus Ross County and the youngster must keep his place down the right-hand side of Rangers’ frontline. Ryan Kent, on the left, should showcase his pace and prowess, whereas Cedric Itten, Fashion Sakala and Scott Wright might get deployed as ‘super subs’ at a later stage.
