Rangers legend Barry Ferguson is “convinced” the Light Blues will win this weekend’s Old Firm clash with bitter rivals Celtic and believes the XI that started Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Alashkert should be enough for the Gers to “prove they are still top dogs.”
Despite being hit with a spate of injuries and a number of Covid call-offs ahead of the Alashkert tie, Rangers made their way into the groups of the Europa League after leaving the likes of Allan McGregor, James Tavernier, Calvin Bassey, Ryan Kent and Scott Wright at home.
With Sunday’s Old Firm next up for the champions, former Ibrox captain Ferguson thinks they have a “glorious” opportunity to reassert themselves as the benchmark in the Premiership.
“Covid may have arrived at Rangers’ door at the worst possible moment but when Celtic come calling on Sunday I’m convinced they’ll be sent packing,” Ferguson told the Daily Record.
“Yes, the Ibrox squad has been decimated by the wretched virus this week and yes performance levels have been nowhere near the standards set last season.
“But Rangers have a glorious chance to prove they are still top dogs tomorrow.
“And even that starting XI that faced Alashkert – minus Allan McGregor, Jon McLaughlin, James Tavernier, Calvin Bassey, Ryan Kent, Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala – should be good enough to beat Celtic.
“No matter how improved the Parkhead side are under Ange Postecoglou.”
Rangers should have a number of players returning to the side for tomorrow’s game – and there could also be a debut for Ibrox new boy Juninho Bacuna.
The former Huddersfield star joined the Light Blues last week and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to at least see him on the bench tomorrow.
With the likes of Kemar Roofe among “four or five” players who should return, Rangers should be in a much better place than they were on Thursday night in Armenia.
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