Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers XI to face Celtic: Can the Gers end the year with a bang?

published

29/12/2019 1:30 AM

Predicted Rangers XI to face Celtic in the Scottish Premiership

Rangers secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Boxing Day to keep the title race alive, thanks to a second-half winner from Alfredo Morelos.

The Gers are currently five points adrift of pace-setters Celtic, with a game in hand, and Steven Gerrard’s side will be looking to close that gap to just two points when they make the trip to Parkhead on Sunday for the third Old Firm derby of the season.

Meanwhile, a victory for Celtic would tilt the title race hugely in favour of Neil Lennon’s side and the Hoops will be fancying their chances of getting one over their arch-rivals for a third straight game, having won each of the two Old Firm derbies earlier in the season.

Team News

Steven Davis returned from a short spell on the sidelines to feature as a substitute against Kilmarnock and the veteran is in contention for a starting role in the all-important clash against Celtic on Sunday.

Filip Helander still continues to be on the treatment table due to a foot injury that he picked up against the Hoops in the Betfred Cup final.

Image result for rangers" — Rangers stayed alive in the title race with a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Boxing Day (Getty Images)

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Steven Gerrard

Predicted XI

1. Allan McGregor (GK)

The veteran custodian racked up yet another clean-sheet in a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Boxing Day and he has always been the undisputed No.1 between the sticks for Gerrard.

2. James Tavernier (RB)

The captain has recovered from a slow start to the season and he will be high on confidence ahead of the Old Firm derby after a string of impressive displays in recent games.

3. Nikola Katic (CB)

The Croatian has grabbed his opportunities with both hands in the absence of Helander and he is expected to retain his place for the all-important clash on Sunday.

4. Connor Goldson (CB)

One of the first names on Gerrard’s team sheet, the former Brighton defender should definitely be amongst the starters against Celtic.

5. Borna Barisic (LB)

Some of his deliveries from the left flank have been a delight to watch and the Croatian could be a player to watch out for in the Old Firm derby.

6. Ryan Jack (CDM)

He has been a key asset to Rangers’ midfield with his work-rate and consistency and the former Aberdeen star is expected to be one of the key cogs in Gerrard’s wheel when the Gers lock horn with their arch-rivals on Sunday.

7. Steven Davis (RCM)

The veteran has been a key player for the Gers this term and his return to fitness ahead of the derby comes as a massive boost to their hopes.

8. Glen Kamara (LCM)

The Finnish international has been a regular fixture under Gerrard and there he no way he’s going to miss out on the trip to Celtic at the weekend.

9. Joe Aribo (RW)

The Nigerian has cemented his place as regular in the playing eleven with a string of dazzling displays and he was one of the architects of the Gers’ victory over Kilmarnock on Boxing Day.

10. Ryan Kent (LW)

The former Liverpool man seems to have found his stride just at the right time in the season for Rangers and a lot will depend on how he goes about things on Sunday.

11. Alfredo Morelos (ST)

Not for the first time this season, the Colombian proved to be the saviour for Rangers as he came off the bench in place of Defoe to fire home the winner against Kilmarnock.