Tom Lawrence to miss out, Alfredo Morelos decision made – Rangers predicted XI v Celtic
Rangers head to Celtic Park for the first Old Firm derby of the season on Saturday lunchtime and Giovanni van Bronckhorst has some big decisions to make.
The Gers have had a near flawless start to the campaign, making it to the Champions League group stages and having an unbeaten start to the Scottish Premiership season with only a 2-2 draw at Hibernian costing them points.
But they take on a Celtic side who have a 100% record and are scoring goals for fun, so how will the boss look to lineup his team for the game to take all three points?
In goal Allan McGregor got his first minutes in midweek in the cup win over Queen of the South, but Jon McLaughlin is the number one these days and he will almost certainly come back into the side for this clash.
In defence the usual faces should make a return too. Captain James Tavernier has started the season in excellent form and will slot into the right-back position replacing youngster Adam Devine, while Connor Goldson should take his place alongside him at centre-back too over Leon King.
The left side of the defence is more open, but James Sands has been the man to take the starting spot so far and so he should come back into the team where he’ll be accompanied by the in-form Borna Barisic at left-back, replacing Ryan Jack and Ridvan Yilmaz respectively.
The midfield is where the biggest decisions lie for the boss, with news that Tom Lawrence could miss out after suffering an injury in the win over Ross County last week.
That could see Rangers go with a slightly more steady approach, with John Lundstram continuing as one of the first names on the team sheet and being partnered by Finland international Glen Kamara after they fended off deadline day interest.
Ahead of them the boss’ side essentially picks itself right now.
Malik Tillman has arguably been the club’s best player this season and should continue as the advanced number 10, while Ryan Kent will certainly keep his place on the left after an electric start to the season.
On the right, with Lawrence out, it should see Scott Wright get the nod for his pace and hard work off the ball to keep the team disciplined out of possession.
Up front Alfredo Morelos returns from his suspension, but whether he is named in the squad or not is still up in the air. Even if he is though, it’ll be from the bench with the in-form Antonio Colak getting his first nod in an Old Firm game.
Predicted Rangers XI v Celtic: McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Sands, Barisic; Lundstram, Kamara; Wright, Tillman, Kent; Colak
In other Rangers news, major transfer decision made amid last gasp deadline day attempt