Philippe Clement picked what was considered his strongest line up to face Celtic and yet it is one that could be much changed when Rangers host the next derby.
A return to Ibrox is around the corner and there are new additions in the shape of Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo – or Nana to to his friends.
The manager has spoken about this squad being a long term process and that it’s best football won’t be seen until October at the earliest.
Come January though, will Rangers resemble anything like the one that so meekly surrendered at Parkhead?
How Rangers could line up for next Old Firm
Speaking after the dismal defeat, the Gers boss was asked about the current gap between the two sides and whether or not it can be closed:
“We will see in January. Of course it is a team and we spoke about that, Celtic are a team with this team that started playing already more than one year, some guys are playing two, three years together, so many times together.
“We are just at the start with a new squad, a new team. In that way, there were really positive things in the beginning of the game but you need to kill off the game then and to score and then it can be another dynamic.
“Of course, when it is 3-0 you need to shut up in that moment and accept that you lost and that it was not good enough. We are going to work really hard in the next couple of months to be much better in January.”
One way to close it is by changing personnel.
This could be the line up Rangers need to see a more fearless approach in the next Old Firm.
Defence
Ridvan Yilmaz has largely played well in derbies, his pace makes it harder for their wingers to do what they routinely do to James Tavernier on the other side.
Jefte is the player in possession of the jersey though and his display at Parkhead will have been a good lesson.
Fit and on form, Ridvan gets the nod.
How many goals against Celtic can Tavernier be responsible for or do better at before the manager makes the big call?
Dujon Sterling and new signing Nana are the future of the position and, with Nicolas Raskin back and Bajrami’s arrival, Tavernier no longer gets to keep his place purely due to shortages elsewhere.
Robin Propper is a better player than he showed against Celtic.
His slip leading to the first goal was unlucky given he was in a great position to block the cross and he gets a bit of leeway due to being injured recently.
Alongside him is Nana.
Celtic don’t play direct football, the play fast, attacking football which is why defenders with pace are so important.
With Sterling at right back and Nana in the middle, Maeda would have to rethink his kick and run routine and Celtic’s long balls over the top.
Midfield
In midfield, Nicolas Raskin showed more in 15 minutes than his teammates had in the previous 75.
He has the snap and aggression of Connor Barron but with a better passing range.
With no alternative, the number six role should be his.
Barron has been in fine form but Mohamed Diomande’s work off the ball and ability to link play will see him play more often than not and it will be interesting to see if he can build a relationship with Bajrami.
The Albanian international has a lot of hopes riding on his shoulders.
Attack
On the wings, Oscar Cortes starts on the right because he can use his left if he needs to cut inside, however, Rangers need to start causing Celtic’a full backs problems on the outside.
Which is why Vaclav Cerny starts on the left with Hamza Igamane’s impressive cameo showing why he is first reserve.
Ianis Hagi wont be far behind too, if he is given another chance.
Number nine in these games now must be Danilo.
Cyriel Dessers has had his chance but continues to fluff his lines and slow Rangers attack down against Celtic.
Playing Dessers only makes it easier for Celtic’s defence.
Philippe Clement has to do something before January other than just working on the training ground, but is he brave enough to make these changes?
