Rangers have snapped up defender Philippe Senderos – and he could start this weekend.
Philippe Senderos
Pundit Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports that he thinks Philippe Senderos must make his Rangers debut against Celtic on Saturday afternoon.
The Old Firm derby is back this weekend, and whilst Celtic and Rangers have met in domestic cup competitions in the last couple of seasons, this is the first league clash between the fierce rivals since 2012.
Rangers have been working their way back up the divisions, and picked up a stunning win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup last season, capping off a fine season for Mark Warburton in his first term at Ibrox.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Warburton set about improving his squad over the summer to try and challenge Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, and improving his defence was something that was a priority after some shaky displays at the back last season.
Clint Hill and Lee Hodson arrived earlier in the summer, but Warburton swooped on deadline day to complete a deal for ex-Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos, who penned a one-year deal at Ibrox following a successful trial.
Senderos, 31, was a free agent having left Grasshopper Zurich at the end of last season, and brings vast experience having played for the likes of Arsenal, AC Milan, Everton and Valencia, as well as representing Switzerland at three World Cups.
Rangers’ manager Mark Warburton
The centre back featured in Rangers’ 7-0 friendly win over Linfield on Saturday afternoon, prompting questions over whether he could make his competitive debut against Celtic this weekend.
Ahead of the game at Celtic Park, pundit Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports that he thinks Senderos has to start, and commented on his move by saying he was a player who never really kicked on at Arsenal.
Nicholas added that Rangers haven’t added enough pace at the back, and thinks manager Warburton may have to play three at the back to cope with Celtic’s pace in the final third.
Philippe Senderos in action with Christian Benteke
“I’d be amazed if he doesn’t,” said Nicholas. “Senderos is a guy who had a good CV with high hopes for him at Arsenal, but he never quite fulfilled it, he never really got going, he never stepped up to the next level.”
“With Senderos, he probably has to come in. The one thing Rangers don’t have and didn’t really sort out is that they don’t pace at the back, and Celtic have pace up front with Sinclair, Griffiths and Dembele.”
“Warburton doesn’t really play three at the back, but he might have to think about Rangers’ lack of pace at the back. And that’s why I think Celtic have a slight advantage,” he added.
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