Rangers are preparing to head off v Celtic in a must-win clash in the Scottish Premiership – and Alfredo Morelos may be available to face our Old Firm rivals.
The Gers know that anything but a victory all but kills off the club’s faint title hopes, with a rampant Celtic nine points clear in the Scottish Premiership having only dropped points in one game this season.
The Parkhead side were beaten 2-0 by St Mirren at Paisley earlier in the campaign and as things stand that result is the only one which has put a dent in a near-perfect campaign.
Not only is a Rangers victory imperative to close the gap to six points, but it is also vital that v Celtic the Ibrox club land a psychological blow and prove Ange Postecoglou’s side can be stopped.
Rangers will have to do so without several key first team stars, as an injury-ravaged campaign finally begins to show some signs of relenting.
But whilst Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Antonio Colak will be back amongst the reckoning, the club will still be without Filip Helander, John Souttar, Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence and Kemar Roofe.
Alfredo Morelos is an injury doubt, but after the striker posted a flyer for the Rangers clash v Celtic on social media, it has hinted the Colombian will be available for selection in the match.
We’re backing Rangers to go with Allan McGregor in goals for the match v Celtic, with an established and experienced back four of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Borna Barisic.
Whilst this quartet hasn’t played with each other all that much, on paper it is our strongest defensive arrangement and they’ll need to come up big for the club here.
In midfield, Michael Beale is a known Glen Kamara fan whilst there is a decision to be made involving John Lundstram and Ryan Jack. Lundstram has been a little off-colour and for that we’re going with Jack.
Scott Arfield is an experienced campaigner and a potential difference-maker in this fixture so whilst some might back Lundstram ahead of the 34-year-old, we reckon the form star gets the nod here.
Up top, Ryan Kent is a shoo-in to start off Alfredo Morelos and we reckon Malik Tillman will also get a shout in behind the Colombian.
Rangers predicted XI v Celtic – 4-3-3
GK – Allan McGregor
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – Ben Davies
DL – Borna Barisic
CDM – Glen Kamara
CM – Ryan Jack
CM – Scott Arfield
RF – Malik Tillman
LF – Ryan Kent
ST – Alfredo Morelos