Philippe Clement risks derailing Rangers with John Lundstram decision made as starting XI emerges v Celtic
Rangers have confirmed their starting XI for Saturday’s Old Firm derby clash with Celtic with just one change made.
The Gers confirmed their starting lineup for the game via their official website with Clement making one change from the side which triumphed 2-0 over Motherwell on Christmas Eve with Kieran Dowell dropping out replaced by John Lundstram who returns from injury.
Rangers make the trip to Celtic Park on Saturday (29 December) hoping to cut the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to two points, with a game still in hand for the Gers.
Despite being away from home, Philippe Clement’s side should fancy their chances against Celtic given the Hoops’ recent form and the decision to recall Lundstram could certainly come back to bite Clement as the senior midfielder has only just returned from an injury niggle.
The former Sheffield United man will partner Dujon Sterling in midfield while the back four remains the same with James Tavernier, Conor Goldson, Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz keeping their place.
The man Lundstram is replacing, Dowell impressed against Motherwell and would have been expecting to keep his spot in the team. The former Norwich man was very lively last time, scoring his first of the season but also excelling tremendously in defence, winning four of his ground duels and completing 100 per cent of his dribbles [SofaScore].
Lundstram has hardly been convincing when starting for Clement in recent weeks but given he is the only fit defensive midfielder available, Clement’s decision to instantly recall him makes sense.
Rangers fans will be hoping Lundstram’s fitness issues does not come back to bite Clement in the backside.
The game at Parkhead provides an opportunity for Rangers to showcase their resilience and new-found confidence under Clement and a potentially half-fit Lundstram will be expected to lead from midfield.
Huge call.
In other Rangers news, Sky Sports shared what wowed Fabio Silva when he visited Auchenhowie before his confirmed Ibrox transfer.