The 4th Official
·11 May 2023
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·11 May 2023
Rangers will entertain Celtic at the Ibrox Stadium this Saturday afternoon as they hope to pick up a positive result at home in the Scottish Premiership. The Gers managed to secure a 1-0 win over Aberdeen recently which will keep them in high spirits ahead of this game.
Michael Beale will once again opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a couple of changes to his first team for this Old Firm derby. Allan McGregor and John Souttar will both get a chance to impress from the start of this clash.
Defence
Allan McGregor will function in between the sticks for the home side as he looks to keep a clean sheet in this Old Firm derby. As mentioned earlier, John Souttar will get a chance to catch the eye alongside Connor Goldson at the centre of Beale’s defence as they try to keep the Celtic forwards frustrated during the game.
James Tavernier will be a nailed-on starter as the right-back while Ridvan Yilmaz looks to impress on the other side as the left-back. Both of them need to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.
Ben Davies is a major doubt for this game as he is struggling to recover from a hamstring problem.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 15: Scott Arfield of Rangers celebrates after he scores his team’s fifth goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and St. Mirren FC at on April 15, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Midfield
Nicolas Raskin will feature along with John Lundstram at the centre of the Rangers‘ midfield as they try to offer decent protection for their backline.
The gifted trio of Rabbi Matondo, Ianis Hagi and Todd Cantwell will play just ahead of them as part of Beale’s attack. All three of them have to be at the top of their game if the home side are to come out on top in this Old Firm derby.
Scot Arfield has to settle for a place on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the second half if needed.
Attack
Fashion Sakala will lead the charge for the Gers in the final third. He will have to carry most of the goal-scoring burden for Rangers on his own up top.
Alfredo Morelos will be available for selection on the bench as he awaits his chance to shine in the latter stages of the game if required.