Connor Goldson nowhere to be seen, Nico Raskin decision made – Confirmed Rangers starting XI vs Celtic
Michael Beale’s confirmed Rangers starting XI for the Old Firm derby trip to Celtic Park has been released by the club.
Nico Raskin and Todd Cantwell both start as John Lundstram is dropped from the midfield, while key defensive stalwart Connor Goldson is missing from the squad entirely with John Souttar starting in his place.
Beale has gone for the experience of Alfredo Morelos up front, meaning there is no place for Fashion Sakala or Antonio Colak in attack.
The big news on Souttar and Raskin aside it is largely as expected, with Allan McGregor in goal and Ben Davies partnering the Scotland international, and full-back pairing Borna Barisic and James Tavernier either side.
Beale has learned from the Viaplay Cup final and starts both January signings, with Ryan Jack alongside them in midfield.
Two-goal Malik Tillman keeps his place from the Dundee United win last week while Ryan Kent rounds out the XI with Morelos.
Moment of truth
It needs to be third time lucky for Beale in the derby, having been unfortunate once and caught out the other time, because without a win it will mark a gaping chasm between the 100% success he has had against every other side and no wins vs Ange Postecoglou.
The title race may be over either way, but the psychological considerations of coming away from Parkhead with the points are huge.
In terms of the Scottish Cup semi-final on 30 April, and next season when Beale will be starting the league campaign without the nine-point deficit he inherited, ground needs to be made up in the rivalry before the end of the campaign.
He has made great progress since he took over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but this will be the real measure of how much improvement he has brought.
Across two separate seasons the Dutchman went to Parkhead and was blown away 3-0 and 4-0, with the former coming in his first derby as boss.
Turning that calibre of performance around is going to be the measuring stick by which Beale is ultimately judged so whatever the league table this is a huge test.
In other Rangers news, one Ibrox ace has sparked concern over a potentially “catastrophic” outcome with apparent negativity ahead of the Old Firm derby.