By Anthony Onifade

11th May, 2023 | 8:10am

Glen Kamara to make first start since February, Michael Beale makes four changes - Rangers predicted XI v Celtic

Rangers take on Celtic on Saturday lunchtime in the Scottish Premiership as Michael Beale and his men look to exact revenge on the Hoops for their Cup semi-final defeat.

The Light Blues enter this latest Old Firm spectacle off the back of a 1-0 win over Aberdeen [7 May] and Beale could look to make four changes to his starting XI at Celtic Park (13 May).

The Gers will disappointingly go trophyless this season and with the manager promising a major overhaul of the squad this summer during the transfer window, this is an opportunity for players to stake a claim for the shirt.

The most significant alteration should come in midfield with Beale handing Glen Kamara his first start since their Scottish League Cup final defeat in February in place of Ianis Hagi, as the former QPR boss could seek more midfield security with Nicolas Raskin in a more advanced role.

In goal, Robby McCrorie deputized excellently against the Dons at the weekend but Beale will be expected to bring back in experienced goalkeeper Allan McGregor who was nowhere to be seen when the team appeared for their game against Aberdeen.

Hopefully, the veteran shot-stopper will be back to start against Celtic once again.

In defence, James Tavernier should continue in his undisputed right-back role, with Beale’s trusted defensive pairings Conor Goldson and Ben Davies lining up at centre-back. However, Ridvan Yilmaz who deputised in Barisic’s place against Aberdeen should drop back to the bench, with the Croatian hopefully returning from injury.

In midfield, Beale may be tempted to go with a 4-3-3 formation, with Raskin and Lundstram lining up in front of the returning Kamara at the base of midfield. Hagi should drop out with Beale likely handing Kamara another chance to impress against the Hoops this weekend.

In attack, it is uncertain whether exit-linked Ryan Kent will be back in the fold, so Fashion Sakala who looks like the future star of Beale’s ambitions for the Rangers team should line up on the left wing while Todd Cantwell who’s proven impressive in recent weeks, should continue on the right flank.

Up front, Beale will be heavily demanding of another one of his exit-linked stars to perform in Alfredo Morelos who should start once again, despite the Colombian struggling heavily under the weight of Old Firm pressure in recent encounters.

With his future looking away from Ibrox beyond the summer, he’ll be trying to put himself in the shop window but also Rangers fans will be desperate for him to show up one more time before he departs and there’s no better opportunity than on Saturday as Beale will be aiming for his first win over Celtic as Gers boss.

In other Rangers news, an out-of-court settlement has been predicted after the latest legal news developing at Ibrox in recent weeks