How will Rangers line up against Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday?
Rangers face their most important fixture since their return to Scotland’s top flight on Sunday, as they host arch rivals Celtic in a crunch league match that could blow the title race wide open.
Graeme Murty’s men have been in terrific form of late, with six wins from their last six games, and have been scoring for fun.
Since Murty’s appointment following the sacking of Pedro Caixhina, Rangers have gone from strength to strength, and a heavy month of recruitment saw the club make full use of the loan system to bring in some new faces of the highest quality.
Since January, Rangers have looked a completely different animal as they go about attempting to bridge the gap to Celtic, and a win on Sunday would see them move within three points of the league leaders, who would have one game in hand.
Rangers received some worrying news earlier in the week as it was thought that both Jamie Murphy and Russell Martin would be unavailable for Sunday’s derby. However, it is now believed that both stars will be available to take part.
Last weekend saw Kenny Miller return to the fray, coming off the bench in the 80th minute after replacing Josh Windass. Miller is one of the only Gers players in the squad that has genuine Old Firm experience under his belt, and could well play an important role off the bench should he make the match day squad once again.
Jason Cummings’ hat-trick against Falkirk definitely gave the manager some food for thought, however, given the consistent form of others, the Nottingham Forest loanee may be resigned to his usual spot in the dugout at the start of the game.
As usual, Wes Foderingham will line up in goal, while James Tavernier, David Bates, Russell Martin and Andy Halliday will likely make up the back four.
Bruno Alves did not really do enough last week to warrant a start in place of Martin, and will have to wait and see whether Murty opts to bring him on to potentially help see the game out if a win is established. With Declan John and Lee Wallace having been out injured recently, the make-shift left-back Andy Halliday, who has done well in his new position, will most likely get the nod.
There should be no changes in the midfield with Greg Docherty and Sean Goss starting. Both youngsters have been brilliant and Sunday will be a big test as they come up against two of the finest midfielders in Scotland in Olivier Ntcham and Scott Brown.
Josh Windass, who has five goals in his last four league games, will resume his position in the hole, while Jamie Murphy, who is reportedly fit again following his toe injury, will start on the flank, with Daniel Candeias on the opposite side.
Alfredo Morelos, the league’s current top scorer should, as usual, start up top.
Here is the predicted lineup in 4-2-3-1 formation:
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