Match

Rangers v Celtic – Huge boost for Philippe Clement as two senior stars return from injury, team news announced

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Philippe Clement is looking forward to his first Old Firm derby, although he would probably be more excited if he had a fully fit Rangers team available.

The Gers boss has worked miracles to get his squad into its current position, a trophy in the cabinet and last 16 football in the Europa League.

The Scottish Premiership title will always be the priority though and this is who Philippe Clement has picked for Rangers to bring the three points back to Ibrox.

Rangers FC v Hibernian FC - Cinch Scottish Premiership
Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images

Rangers v Celtic – Team news confirmed

Last week saw late injury issues prevent Borna Barisic and Ben Davies from lining up against Motherwell which has given Ridvan Yilmaz the chance to stake his claim for a starting place.

Ridvan’s best performance in a Rangers jersey was against Celtic but Philippe Clement has yet to decide who the first choice left-back is.

Leon Balogun will have welcomed the mid-week break caused by the postponement of the game against Ross County, as will Connor Goldson who has been given a few extra days to recover from the groin problem suffered in the closing minutes at Fir Park.

The vice-captain trained on Friday and, despite Philippe Clement being coy about his inclusion, Rangers number six was always going to play.

Midfield is where the manager has been struggling of late, Dujon Sterling has performed admirably but John Lundstram being fit could be key.

Kieran Dowell has surprised more than a few, perhaps even his manager, with his quality on the ball giving him an advantage but the physical nature of the Old Firm has seen Sterling picked instead.

The forward line almost picks itself because of injuries, not only that, but could anybody honestly argue that Abdallah Sima, Cyriel Dessers and Ross McCausland haven’t earned the right to start either?

This is how Rangers line up as Philippe Clement looks to maintain momentum and really pile the pressure on Celtic.

There is a lot resting on the shoulders of Todd Cantwell who could be the key player in this encounter, as he was last season at Ibrox.

If he plays to the level that he is capable of, he could be the match winner.

Either way, Rangers need someone to step up and be a hero.

Winning the league cup was nice, winning games like this is essential.