Rangers FC were crowned the Scottish champions last week when they beat St Mirren and on the other hand, Celtic dropped points against Dundee United. And next up, the Old Firm sides will go head to head at Park head this weekend.
The Gers though did not have such a happy week after winning the domestic title as they were knocked out of the Europa League, Slavia Prague beating Gerrard’s side 2-0 at Ibrox on Thursday.
Rangers FC will be looking to put this upset behind them by beating their arch-rivals and maintaining their unbeaten run in the league. The Gers have managed to win 22 of their last 24 matches in the Premiership.
Steven Gerrard made a few changes to his starting line-up in midweek vs Slavia Prague but his team were not up to the mark on the pitch so the manager will be hoping that a repeat of the same does not happen on Sunday. Rangers have been a class apart in the SPFL this season and had it not been for the 2-0 loss in the Europa League, the Ibrox outfit would have undoubtedly gone into this Old Firm derby as the overwhelming favourites.
Rangers team news vs Celtic FC:
Connor Goldson was partnered by Balogun in midweek but the latter had an unforgettable game in Europe, having been sent off after picking up two yellow cards. Helander will return to central defence on Sunday.
Nathan Patterson was the right-back in midweek and there’s a chance that he could remain in the side on Sunday in which case, Balogun will warm the benches.
Gerrard used a 4-3-3 formation vs Slavia Prague but the manager is expected to revert back to a 4-3-2-1 system vs Celtic FC meaning Arfield, Steven Davis and Glen Kamara will retain their place in central midfield.
The manager would have loved to rotate his midfielders but Ryan Jack is not expected to be fit and available for selection. Ryan Kent played on the left wing on Thursday and he should retain his place in the starting line-up on Sunday.
Ianis Hagi remained an unused sub in the Europa League tie and the 22-year-old is likely to act as a sub against Celtic FC as well. Joe Aribo and Alfredo Morelos will retain their place in the attacking third.
Rangers’ predicted XI vs Celtic FC:
Predicted Starting Line-up: McGregor; Barisic, Goldson, Helander, Balogun; Kamara, Davis, Scott Arfield; Joe Aribo, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos.
Stats via Whoscored.
