Philippe Clement makes error as Cyriel Dessers decision made in Rangers confirmed XI v Celtic
Philippe Clement could regret choosing Cyriel Dessers in his Rangers starting XI as they go head-to-head with Celtic at Hampden Park on Saturday (25 May).
The Gers have been unable to claim victory against their Old Firm rivals this season, losing three meetings with one thrilling 3-3 draw at Ibrox in April.
Despite scoring in the last meeting, and recording 22 goals in all competitions this season, Clement could regret his decision to start Dessers in the Scottish Cup final.
Having confirmed their starting XI via X on Saturday (25 May), the Belgian names a much-changed side than the one that drew 3-3 with Hearts on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season.
Dessers, of course, keeps his place at striker with Todd Cantwell behind him. The wingers, however, have both swapped, with Ross McCausland and Scott Wright making way for Fabio Silva and Dujon Sterling.
Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande remain in the starting XI, as do James Tavernier and Ben Davies, with Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz making up the back four in front of Jack Butland, with four changes made.
Cyriel Dessers starts in attack as Rangers face Celtic
Dessers must take this opportunity to prove himself to the Rangers fans, having been continuously criticised all season for his all-round performances, especially in front of goal.
However, many will see this as a decision from the manager that will eventually come to haunt him at Hampden Park.
The Gers have struggled somewhat against their rivals this season, losing three of the four meetings, and Dessers’ inability to hold the ball up and bring his teammates into the attack could prove vital.
With Silva, Cantwell and Sterling to assist, Clement’s side will need to build up their attacks slowly before launching the ball into the penalty area, though Dessers has missed several easy chances in recent weeks.
This could even be his final appearance in a Rangers shirt, with many suggesting that the club will be targeting another striker this summer. Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland has been heavily linked.
A decent performance against the Gers’ rivals on Saturday could help him remain at Ibrox for another season, but many are not too hopeful following the last few weeks.
In other Rangers news, one medical is completed while another is being lined up for an early-summer double transfer swoop.
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