Glasgow Rangers host their bitter rivals at Ibrox this weekend, and Steven Gerrard faces a difficult decision.
Lee McCulloch has told the Evening Times that Jermain Defoe has to start up front for Rangers in this weekend’s Old Firm game, and insisted that it would be a surprise if Steven Gerrard picked Alfredo Morelos.
Defoe has been outstanding since Morelos was sent off against Celtic in March. The 36-year-old has scored three goals in the last five games, but his contribution has meant a lot more to Steven Gerrard’s side.
However, with the Colombian back available and making his return to the side in the win against Hibernian last weekend, Gerrard has a decision to make regarding whether he brings his top goalscorer into the starting lineup against the Hoops.
But McCulloch insisted that the Gers boss must opt to stick with Defoe with the Englishman making the most of his run in the team.
“Jermain Defoe is the striker in form, the one that has scored the goals for Rangers in recent weeks and, for me, he gets the nod to start against Celtic,” he told the Evening Times. “I think it has got to be him. If you are only going with one striker, which Rangers will, then he starts ahead of Alfredo Morelos.”
“It would be a big surprise for me if Steven goes with him ahead of Jermain through the middle on Sunday,” he went on to add.
It is no secret that Morelos does not have a good record against Celtic. And in his absence, Rangers have won their last five – so it is not difficult to see why the former Light Blues skipper has recommended Gerrard sticks with Defoe.
There is an argument to suggest that giving Morelos a chance to end his wait for a goal against the Hoops could be beneficial ahead of next season. But Gerrard would be taking a massive gamble resting Defoe after his recent performances.
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