Rangers are preparing to welcome Celtic to Ibrox for the final Old Firm game of the season as they hope to go a season unbeaten against their rivals for the first time since 1999/2000.
Not since Dick Advocaat’s Ibrox reign have the Gers managed an entire campaign without tasting defeat to Celtic in what would prove yet another achievement in this campaign for Gerrard’s charges.
Not only that, but by avoiding defeat Rangers boss Steven Gerrard would be the first manager to make it six games unbeaten v Celtic since Alex McLeish.
Rangers have an extra incentive to get this match over the line with the prize of an unbeaten season only 270 minutes of football away.
Celtic have had an utterly disastrous campaign and it speaks volumes many of their supporters have taken solace in the Ibrox club’s poor performances in the cup campaigns.
Rangers crashed out of the League Cup to St Mirren whilst the Gers also tasted defeat to St Johnstone last week on penalty kicks to exit the Scottish Cup.
The Parkhead side goes into this match knowing they’re best placed to stop Rangers’ unbeaten run whilst the Gers will be eager to hammer home their dominance this season.
However, there are some issues in the Rangers squad as the season reaches its almighty, trophy lifting crescendo come May 15th.
Three first-teamers are currently suspended due to the Covid Five issues with Nathan Patterson, Bongani Zungu, and Calvin Bassey having their seasons cut short at Ibrox.
Midfielder Scott Arfield missed the clash with St Johnstone through injury and alongside the absences of Zungu and Scotland international Ryan Jack the club’s midfield is threadbare.
Injuries and suspensions leave Steven Davis, Joe Aribo, and Glen Kamara as the only recognised midfielders – even if Ianis Hagi could theoretically drop back – with youngsters Stephen Kelly and Ciaran Dickson also out on loan.
In defence the Gers are currently awaiting the return of Leon Balogun who has an Achilles/calf issue whilst it remains unclear the injury status of Filip Helander.
The defender went off injured in extra time of the clash with St Johnstone and until the pre-match press conference we won’t get an inclination into whether the defender will make the Celtic game.
If he doesn’t, then January signing Jack Simpson could be called upon as the only spare defender alongside sure-fire starter Connor Goldson.
We’ll operate on the notion that if Helander can play he will play but don’t be surprised to see a change in this department.
The other main dilemma concerns who will start on the right of the forward line with Kemar Roofe struggling for form, Ianis Hagi anonymous against St Johnstone and Scott Wright chomping at the bit.
We reckon that Gerrard will go full strength from what’s available for this one as he looks for his side to bounce back from the cup disappointment and assert their authority ahead of next season.
For that reason we’re backing Kemar Roofe to start despite fan grumbles about the player’s form as of late.
Rangers predicted XI v Celtic – 4-3-2-1
GK – Allan McGregor
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – Filip Helander
DL – Borna Barisic
CDM – Steven Davis
CM – Joe Aribo
CM – Glen Kamara
RF – Kemar Roofe
ST – Alfredo Morelos
LF – Ryan Kent
