Ryan Naderi must start for Rangers vs Celtic, Danny Rohl would be mad not to – here’s why
Danny Rohl has an obvious decision to make with Ryan Naderi as Rangers face Celtic in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday.
Martin O’Neill’s team will travel to Ibrox on 1 March, and both teams will be looking to take the three points to keep pace with Hearts at the top of the table.
The Hoops lost 2-1 to Hibernian at Parkhead, while the Gers dropped two points against Livingston in the 2-2 draw at Almondvale Stadium, giving Hearts the chance to extend their lead in first place.
Naderi has been dealing with a slight injury issue in recent weeks, but if he’s fit, the German manager has to entrust his compatriot with a spot in the Light Blues’ starting lineup.
Danny Rohl can bring best out of Rangers with two number nines
Hearts suffered a 4-2 defeat at Ibrox courtesy of a Youssef Chermiti hat-trick.
The Portugal Under-21 international played alongside Naderi up front, with the Gers working as an impressive unit against Derek McInnes’ team.
While the former Hansa Rostock attacker wasn’t the best player on the pitch, he still contributed with one key pass, completed one of his two dribbles, won a foul and was involved in seven aerial duels, as per Sofascore.
The 22-year-old’s presence seemed to bring out the best in his teammates, as evidenced by Chermiti’s Sofascore graphic below.
Andreas Skov Olsen also provided one assist, completed three key passes and created one big chance, while Mikey Moore hit the woodwork once from his five shots, completed 93 per cent of his passes and completed one dribble.
Speaking on The Breakdown with Kevin Thomson on 23 February, Charlie Mulgrew said, “I think he will go with two [strikers]. He would be mad not to. If Naderi is fit, for me, he needs to go back to what he did against Hearts because he stumbled across a formation. Skov Olsen suits him coming inside. Moore suits him coming inside. I think Rangers’ best players are on the pitch when he plays that formation.”
Danny Rohl favourite set for Ibrox bench vs Celtic
Rohl heavily relied on Djeidi Gassama before the end of the winter transfer window, but the manager now has more options at his disposal up front.
The former Sheffield Wednesday winger has put in some underwhelming performances in recent weeks and has found himself on the bench.
If Naderi does return to the starting lineup, the French youngster will surely be destined for the bench against Celtic.
Gassama has lost his form at the Govan side, and the competition for his place in the team may be good for him at Ibrox.
For more in-depth analysis on the Gers, visit Football Insider.