Why Derek McInnes' tactical gamble is 'the last thing' Rangers need vs Celtic

Derek McInnes faces an important test as Rangers face Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday.

The Scottish manager has had a mixed start to his stint at the Gers, but is going into the Old Firm derby on 13 September on a four-game win streak.

In recent matches, with the integration of some of the new summer signings, the 55-year-old head coach has finally found a winning formula at the Light Blues.

McInnes will certainly have ideas on how to get the better of Celtic at Ibrox, but he shouldn't overthink things.

The Scottish manager has built his identity around the 4-4-2 formation over the years, but it hasn't necessarily worked in G51.

Martin O'Neill's team have a perfect record in the William Hill Premiership this season and the ex-Hearts boss has a massive decision to make for the quarter-final.

What Derek McInnes risks in Rangers vs Celtic

McInnes started with Kevin Kelsy and Ryan Naderi up front against St Mirren, but the Gers struggled to get the three points at Ibrox.

A last-minute winner from Bojan Miovski saved the Scottish manager's blushes in the 1-0 victory.

Since Minsu Kim's arrival, the Light Blues have played with South Korean ace playing just behind the striker, and it has helped McInnes turn things around in G51.

A 4-2-3-1 formation feels like the best bet for the ex-Hearts boss to get the better of O'Neill in the Premier Sports Cup.

Andy Halliday hopes McInnes doesn't opt to play two strikers up top, which would give Celtic the incentive to dominate the midfield.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound on 12 September, the former Bears midfielder said, "I personally hope it's not 4-4-2. I just think if you give an overload in the middle of the pitch to Celtic, it will allow them to dictate the game.

"That's the last thing Rangers need going into the game. When they've played 4-4-2 for the majority of the season, there have been loads of periods in games where they've lost control.

"Since Minsu Kim came in and played alongside a striker, a lot more dynamic, I think they've looked better.

"You can't give Celtic that overload in the middle of the pitch, especially when Celtic look as if they lack a little bit of legs in the middle of the pitch at this moment in time."

Who Derek McInnes should start up top vs Celtic

McInnes faces a massive dilemma over who his number nine should be against Celtic.

If the Scottish manager opts to play with one striker, he must decide between Ryan Naderi, Kevin Kesly and Miovski.

Considering the money the Gers spent on the Venezuela international, many would expect him to start, but he's still trying to settle into the team.

Naderi has scored some important goals for the Light Blues this season, but the German attacker looks awkward whenever he plays.

Miovski has the most experience in Scottish football of the three strikers and showed his ability to find the back of the net against St Mirren.

The North Macedonia international could potentially be the surprise inclusion in the starting lineup against Celtic.