Michael Beale to snub Antonio Colak and Alfredo Morelos in Rangers XI v Celtic as team news predicted by pundit
We’re delighted to welcome Tam McManus as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Michael Beale could leave both Antonio Colak and Alfredo Morelos on the bench when Rangers play Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday, according to Tam McManus.
Morelos, 26, started against Dundee United last time out but that was his first start since the Viaplay Cup final match against Celtic last month.
Colak, 29, was benched for the 2-0 win at Ibrox, playing for the final five minutes.
However, the Croatia international has just two goals in his last 11 Scottish Premiership appearances, either side of a calf injury that saw him standing in the side reduced.
McManus has now floated the idea that neither Morelos or Colak will start at Celtic Park on Saturday (8 April) because Beale might want to experiment with a false nine.
As a result, in-form Malik Tillman or Fashion Sakala could start in the central role instead.
Speaking to Ibrox News, McManus said: “I don’t think he’ll play at the weekend against Celtic.
“Either Colak will play or Beale will go with a false nine that sees Tillman or Sakala play up front.
“I don’t think he’ll start.
“It’ll be a very hard game for Rangers. There’ll be 60,000 at Parkhead and Celtic are doing well. With no away fans and the fact they’ve got to open up and try to win the game, it’s going to be a tough ask.
“I don’t think Morelos will play but I don’t think Colak will either. Beale might spring a surprise and play Tillman or Sakala up front.”
In other Rangers news, this Ibrox coach is being tipped to leave Govan for a “big club in England” as managerial speculation emerges south of the border.