Rangers Confirmed XI v Celtic: John Lundstram and Jose Cifuentes axed
Michael Beale has named his Rangers starting lineup for their first Old Firm clash of the season on the SPFL as they face Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday (3 September).
Rangers have made three changes from their 5-1 Champions League defeat to PSV, with Dujon Sterling, Ryan Jack and Kemar Roofe coming into the side for Borna Barišić, John Lundstram and Jose Cifuentes.
Beale and Brenden Rodgers are under early pressure this season, but the Gers will hope for a convincing result to bounce back after UCL disappointment.
Must, must not lose
It is tough to remember the last time an Old Firm clash had so much on the line so early into the season.
Both Beale and Celtic boss Brenden Rodgers have felt the heat of the hot seat already, with this clash tipped as a potential turning point in one of these side’s seasons.
Beale has the weight of high spending and new signings to deal with. Early losses in the league to Kilmarnock and a dispirited removal from the Champions League have soured what could have been a wonderful start to the season.
Across Glasgow, Rodgers has wrestled with Celtic fans’ emotions after his return. Many still feel stung after the ex-Liverpool boss left them to join Premier League Leicester City.
Despite that, Rodgers still won two trebles at Celtic Park, but after losing to seeming giant killers Kilmarnock in the Scottish League Cup, Rodgers has already set himself up for a relatively disappointing season.
For Rangers, this starting lineup must to the business. A win would do so much to boost the spirits of the club and the fanbase and help them forget the pains of being knocked out Champions League.
However, while a win would naturally be ideal, Beale must avoid a loss if he wants to keep the pressure at arm’s distance. His boys must give a convincing display and have something to show for it.
In other Rangers news, Steven Thompson has sent a message to the Rangers side ahead of the Old Firm showdown.