The day has finally arrived as Rangers face Celtic in the traditional New Year Old Firm derby this Saturday lunchtime.
Gers boss Philippe Clement is in an “intrigued” mood given it is his first taste of the fixture since arriving at Ibrox and would absolutely love to get one over a stuttering Celtic team.
As far as team news is concerned, both Glasgow giants have their injury concerns. Unfortunately, Celtic are less affected but will be without key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers in what is a boost for Rangers.
The Hoops also have Liel Abada and Reo Hatate fit again but how much they will be involved is unknown at the moment. For Rangers, Clement is still dealing with an overcrowded treatment room but may welcome back some stars today.
Although when quizzed on Connor Goldson, Borna Barisic and John Lundstram’s fitness at his press conference on Friday, the Belgian was typically tight-lipped. He did confirm that Goldson and Lundstram had trained but while they are in contention, both are still doubts.
Goldson, Lundstram and Barisic Rangers solutions
To cut to the chase, Goldson and Barisic will most likely be replaced by John Souttar and Ridvan Yilmaz at centre-back and left-back respectively. Moreover, Lundstram’s absence will mean a midfield pairing of Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling.
Clement will realise it won’t be ideal given how much Old Firm match experience he could be without from the beginning. But he isn’t a manager to complain too much about the uncontrollables so needs must if Souttar, Yilmaz and the two aforementioned central midfield options play.
In fairness to Souttar at least, he scored against Celtic at the end of last season so will have confidence that he can perform to a good standard again.
Without further ado, here is our Rangers predicted XI for the Old Firm derby against Celtic, providing that Goldson, Lundstram and Barisic are fit enough to start.
Rangers predicted XI vs Ross County
GK – Jack Butland
RB – James Tavernier
CB – Connor Goldson
CB – Leon Balogun
LB – Borna Barisic
CM – Dujon Sterling
CM – John Lundstram
CAM – Todd Cantwell
LF – Abdallah Sima
ST – Cyriel Dessers
RF – Ross McCausland
