Sterling dropped for Old Firm – Rangers predicted XI v Celtic
Barry Ferguson could make alterations to his Rangers side as they take on Celtic in a titanic Old Firm reunion at Celtic Park.
Rangers make the trip across Glasgow behind enemy lines this Sunday (16 March) following their memorable European escapade at Ibrox on Thursday.
Ferguson’s men overcame Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side on penalties to set up a Europa League quarter-final tie with Athletic Club, but must now refocus on domestic action against their bitter rivals.
Ferguson to continue with back three at Celtic
Ferguson and his backroom staff are certainly no strangers to the Old Firm, which will help the current crop when averting their gaze from the elation of Thursday to the task that awaits them just three days on.
The Rangers manager has swayed between a back three and back four during his short stint in charge so far, the defensive trio coming to great effect in the first leg against Fenerbahce out in Istanbul (6 March). He started with the same shape back at Ibrox, but did switch to four at the back later on.
The more defensive wing-back setup – in which Dujon Sterling, 25, and Jefte provided the sole width – enabled Gers to pack the middle of the pitch more in attack, with Vaclav Cerny narrower alongside Mohamed Diomande and Cyriel Dessers up front on his own.
Ferguson is likely to repeat the tactic here knowing his team will be under the cosh for large spells against Brendan Rodgers’ side. The only change could see Sterling – who played 55 minutes on his first start since 5 January on Thursday night due to injury for Rangers – replaced by Ridvan Yilmaz.
Elsewhere, Connor Barron and Nico Raskin were formidable in the centre of the park on Thursday in terms of work-rate. The concern is that many of these players played 120 minutes fewer than 72 hours before Sunday’s derby, but Ferguson will not want to avoid playing his best XI.
Jack Butland, James Tavernier, John Souttar and Leon Balogun should all once again retain their places.
Rangers and Celtic have one derby win apiece
Rangers started off 2025 in the best possible fashion when they hammered Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox, a rare highlight in a dismal domestic campaign under Philippe Clement.
Ianis Hagi, Robin Propper and Danilo were all on the scoresheet on that lively Scottish Bank Holiday, which will be etched in the memories of Rangers fans for a long time.
Rodgers’ side won by the same scoreline at Celtic Park back in September, and want to take one giant stride forward towards mathematically winning their 55th league title as quickly as possible – which would draw them level historically with the Gers.
| Rangers – last five wins at Celtic Park | Date |
| Celtic 0-2 Rangers | 17 October 2020 |
| Celtic 1-2 Rangers | 29 December 2019 |
| Celtic 1-3 Rangers | 24 October 2010 |
| Celtic 2-4 Rangers | 31 August 2008 |
| Celtic 0-1 Rangers | 11 March 2007 |
Nonetheless, there have been some moments for Rangers fans to enjoy in among all the madness. True, it has felt like finding a needle in a haystack at times, but Ferguson’s men continue to fly the flag for Scotland in Europe and the interim manager could make a lasting impression if he beats both Mourinho and Celtic in the space of three days.
Ferguson knows his players will be jaded from Thursday night but one huge push is required. If there is anyone who can find that extra gear within the squad for what an Old Firm really means, it’s the former Gers captain and his staff.