Philippe Clement steps closer to Ibrox sack as Rangers XI confirmed v Celtic
Philippe Clement may have just signed over the keys to Ibrox as Rangers prepare to face Celtic on Thursday.
The Belgian has a multitude of injury blows to contend with as Brendan Rodgers’ side travel to Ibrox on 2 January, with six changes made from the 2-2 draw with Motherwell last time out.
Jack Butland is unavailable following internal bleeding in his leg, with Danilo, Cyriel Dessers, Kieran Dowell, Oscar Cortes and James Tavernier all coming out of the lineup [Official X account].
Despite these changes, Robin Propper, who was labelled “horrible” by Neil McCann, has kept his place in the squad alongside Ridvan Yilmaz and Dujon Sterling, with Jefte joining them in defence.
The Dutchman has struggled to pick up any kind of form since arriving in Scotland during the summer, but with Leon Balogun and John Souttar sidelined, Clement must feel he has no other choice.
However, the young and talented centre-back Leon King is ready and available, taking a spot on the bench, just like he did against Motherwell, making the decision to start Propper all the more frustrating.
Robin Propper mistake made in Rangers v Celtic
Clement is running out of time to save his job at Ibrox, especially after a disappointing 2-1 defeat and 1-1 draw against St Mirren and Motherwell recently.
With Butland, Tavernier, Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo all sidelined, he has an extremely limited squad to face Brendan Rodgers’ side.
And recent history is certainly not on the Belgian’s side, with the Light Blues winning just one of the last 14 meetings, though they did come close in the Scottish League Cup final.
The Gers need to take inspiration from the Hampden Park controversy to take all three points from their Old Firm rivals and finally break whatever voodoo is holding them back in the Scottish Premiership.
If the Light Blues are to give up all three points to the Hoops on Thursday afternoon, it could be some of Clement’s final decisions while in charge at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd is surely kidding about who he said the Gers should sign this month.
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