Rangers: Borna Barisic must not start v Celtic after what fans think at Ibrox
Philippe Clement must choose Dujon Sterling to start the Old Firm derby at left-back over Borna Barisic as Rangers take on Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday (7 April).
This is according to Andy Halliday, who believes the former Chelsea academy star would add more defensive qualities to the Gers backline, with Barisic leaving some fans “nervous”.
A victory for Rangers would see them retake the top spot in the Scottish Premiership, with just a single point separating the Old Firm rivals ahead of the clash.
Speaking via the Open Goal podcast on Tuesday (2 April), Halliday said: “I’d play Dujon Sterling, specifically for his defensive qualities. I just think that it seems Borna [Barisic] is away in the summer, and I think he came off injured at the weekend.
“Also, he’s probably made a couple of mistakes in Old Firm games. Fans start to get nervous when they see him on the teamsheet v Celtic. He’s been a very good player for Rangers but he’s away in the summer.
“Anytime that Sterling has played, anywhere that may be, has done very very well. I want to see him in the team but I wouldn’t disrupt the midfield, Diomande and Lundstram have been really good as a two.
“Where else can you fit him? It’s right-wing or left-back, and I’d rather see him at left-back.”
Will Dujon Sterling get the nod over Borna Barisic in Rangers v Celtic?
Of course, the preferred selection at left-back would have been Ridvan Yilmaz. However, having suffered a hamstring injury during the international break, Clement has a decision to make in defence.
While the right-back spot picks itself, with James Tavernier the only player set to start there, the opposite flank is much more uncertain, especially with the transfer rumours surrounding Barisic.
Some fans have already started to worry about the Croatian’s state of mind ahead of the summer transfer window, and his record in Old Firm derbies will not help his case.
Sterling has been a commendable performer this season, shining under the guidance of Clement since his arrival at Ibrox in October. His ability to play anywhere on the pitch certainly hands him an advantage when it comes to starting against Celtic on Sunday.
Though Barisic has plenty of experience, Halliday may be right to want Sterling in the left-back position, especially if the front three of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn continue their current form.
In other Rangers news, an expected Ibrox exit has now been interrupted by changing rules.
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