Tavernier absent as Clement hands outcast start – Rangers predicted XI v Celtic
Philippe Clement could be set to make four changes to his Rangers starting XI for the Old Firm clash against Celtic on Thursday.
James Tavernier may be set to miss out on the Ibrox derby clash after being spotted holding his hamstring after the draw against Motherwell on Sunday (29 December).
Leon King could be set to make a rare start for the Gers while Dujon Sterling could shift across to right back after starting in the centre last time out.
Oscar Cortes and Kieran Dowell could also be set to drop out to be replaced by Connor Barron and Vaclav Cerny for the Light Blues’.
Clement could also make a change to the forward line, which may see Cryiel Dessers drop to the bench while Hamza Igamane could start after two goals last time out off the bench.
Leon King could replace James Tavernier for Rangers v Celtic
Despite King coming in, the backline has a familiar feel with Jack Butland set to start, while Ridvan Yilmaz and Robin Propper could start again in front of him.
This trio could start alongside the fringe centre-back who has not yet made an appearance this season and Sterling who has the versatility to cover a number of positions.
In the midfield, Nicolas Raskin could maintain his role in the side alongside Mohamed Diomande while Barron may return to the side to form a midfield trio in the Old Firm.
Cerny and Igamane look likely to come back into the side after missing out from the starting XI last time out. The latter scored two in an excellent second-half showing so it only makes sense for him to start again ahead of Dessers.
Up front, Danilo could be set to start again after a positive performance despite not getting on the scoresheet against Motherwell. He will be hopeful of netting his second goal against Celtic after scoring in the League Cup final.
In other Rangers news, Stephen McGarry has accused Clement of committing a football crime against Motherwell.
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