Rangers FC are just fresh out of a superb victory over Braga in the Europa League but they will have no time to sit back and relax because on Sunday they have a massive Old Firm Derby.
Progressing to the semi-final of the Europa League is a ginormous feat for the Scottish side and if they can top it up with a win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup then the Gers will be sitting on cloud nine.
It’s safe to say that Rangers’ Premiership push has derailed but their performances in Europe have given them a massive boost. The Gers have faced Celtic twice this calendar year but they have come out as the second-best side on both occasions so maybe they will be third time lucky.
The Gers have lost two matches in their previous five outings while Celtic haven’t lost in seven but after the win against Braga, the momentum is definitely with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team.
Rangers FC team news vs Celtic:
There were fears that Borna Barisic might have suffered an injury but the full-back has confirmed that he was just suffering from cramps and will be available for the Old Firm Derby.
“It is not an injury, just cramp,” he said, as per the Scotland Herald. “I felt that 10 or 15 minutes before the 90. I tried to play to the end, but I couldn’t any more. It is probably because I haven’t played for a long time.”
“It would be much better if we had played 90 minutes, but it is what it is. If it takes 120 minutes then so be it. The most important thing is we won the game.
“From tomorrow, we will start to think about Sunday. As I said, it would have been better if we had played 90. But we are professionals, we are ready, we are ready for the game on Sunday.”
He should be starting at left-back which means Bassey and Goldson will pair up in central defence. But if Barisic has not fully recovered by Sunday then Bassey will move to the left and Balogun will come into the starting line up.
Lundstram and Ryan Jack were stellar against Braga but the manager will have no other option but to rest him on Sunday. If the pair start against Celtic then there’s bound to be a fatigue injury and with the UEL semi-final coming up, that’s the last thing the Rangers FC manager will want.
Glen Kamara is likely to replace one of the two central midfielders while Aaron Ramsey will hold onto his place as the advanced playmaker.
Scott Arfield played in only extra time on Thursday so he will also be an option to play in the No 10 role or in place of Joe Aribo, down the right win.
Kemar Roofe has been outstanding in the absence of Alfredo Morelos and with the South American out for the rest of the season, Roofe will start up front once again.
Rangers FC predicted line up vs Celtic:
Predicted Starting Lineup(4-2-3-1): McGregor; Barisic, Bassey, Goldson, Tavernier; Lundstram, Ryan Jack/Glen Kamara; Aaron Ramsey, Joe Aribo/Arfield, Ryan Kent; Kemar Roofe.
