Rangers take on Celtic in the final Scottish Premiership fixture of the season and will have to do so without one of Philippe Clement’s go-to men.
The manager gave every player a chance when he first arrived, but when injuries allowed, there was a clear core that he trusted in his squad.
According to The Scottish Sun, one selection has already been confirmed with Rangers looking to avoid the previous mistakes that blighted trips to face Celtic.
Ben Davies set for Rangers start in Celtic clash
When Connor Goldson was ruled out for the season, John Souttar had already partnered Leon Balogun for two games.
When Balogun had to be replaced at half-time against Kilmarnock by Ben Davies for his first appearance of 2024, it saw the return of a defensive pairing that many will want to forget after a 3-2 loss at Parkhead in which every goal was a mistake.
And, it looks as though this is going to be who starts for Rangers against Celtic with The Sun claiming that Leon Balogun isn’t going to be risked.
The issue Davies had the last time he played Celtic, was that he kept losing Kyogo Furuhashi.
The Japan international thrives on movement in and around the box and, whenever Celtic get close to Jack Butland, he must be marked closely.
As Alan Hansen used to say, spaces don’t score goals, so there is no point marking them.
With Davies being naturally left footed, he will bring balance to Rangers defence and he should be more comfortable playing out from the back and in breaking Celtic’s press.
Souttar has been caught out a few times trying to turn back inside when the ball has been on his left.
Balogun absence could be blessing in disguise
Davies’ strength is his passing and Todd Cantwell – if he is picked – along with Mohamed Diomande, should be looking to get behind Celtic’s midfield.
As explained after his appearance against Kilmarnock, Philippe Clement knows how to get the best out of Davies:
“The gaffer told me to move the ball at tempo. He knows what I am good at.
“The manager has been great and he has made me feel part of it and saying I would be important at some stage.
“Thankfully I got my chance today. I had to wait for it, but I am grateful for it.”
Not only does it give an insight into Philippe Clement’s ability to not lose players who aren’t playing, it shows that he wants them to play to their strengths.
Against Celtic, Rangers will need to play out of defence with tempo, but they will also need to counterattack at speed too.
It is a blow to lose Leon Balogun, however, it could be a blessing in disguise.
