Rangers are preparing to face off against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden for the chance to secure a trophy 13 years in the making for the Gers.
That’s how long it has been since Rangers last lifted the trophy when Nacho Novo scored the wining goal against Falkirk after coming off the bench with the game ending 1-0 in 2009.
Since then – in a record which remains a bugbear to supporters – Rangers have reached one Scottish Cup Final, where they were infamously defeated against Hibs 3-2 at Hampden.
Now, Giovanni van Bronckhorst takes this Rangers team to Hampden for the first time and will be looking to end a hoodoo that depressingly leans to close to a decade and a half.
But first, Old Firm rivals Celtic stand in the way and an undeniably tough match at Hampden beckons.
Rangers predicted XI v Celtic in Scottish Cup
Dutchman van Bronckhorst has failed in his first two attempts against our eternal rivals across the City but the first attempt was undeniably more lacklustre than the last.
Rangers were humbled at Parkhead, stumbled at Ibrox, but are aiming for redemption at Hampden.
Allan McGregor has come up huge for the club in these meetings in the past and we’re tipping him to start again here.
James Tavernier – a player on phenomenal form at present – and Connor Goldson are defensive mainstays with Calvin Bassey and Borna Barisic also retaining their place in our side.
Ryan Jack, John Lundstram and Aaron Ramsey also started against Braga and we reckon this solid foundation can once again boss the park in a massive fixture.
It then comes to who starts up front – Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe shoo-ins for us – with the big debate on the right.
For us, it’s got to be the much-improved Joe Aribo who has some proving himself to do in this fixture.
Yes, that is the same team who started against Braga. But for us, it’s the same team who can finally book our place in a final, help lift this trophy and put an end to 13 years of frustration.
Rangers predicted XI v Celtic – 4-2-3-1/4-3-3
GK – Allan McGregor
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – Calvin Bassey
DL – Borna Barisic
CDM – John Lundstram
CDM – Ryan Jack
CAM – Aaron Ramsey
RW – Joe Aribo
ST – Kemar Roofe
LW – Ryan Kent
