Resurgent Rangers, under Steven Gerrard, got past the Europa League qualifiers despite going down to nine men in their final playoff tie against FC Ufa. They are growing in confidence with every passing game and a big challenge awaits tomorrow when they’ll take on old-firm rivals Celtic.
Rangers Team News
Murphy is a long-term injury absentee as he is recovering from a ruptured ACL. Graham Dorrans and Jordan Rossiter are not fit yet with their knee and ankle injuries while Lassana Coulibaly remains a major doubt following a setback in the training ground despite returning from a thigh strain last week.
Rangers Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Defence
Veteran Allan McGregor has been a big influence between the sticks and played a pivotal role so far. Despite an erroneous outing against Motherwell last weekend, Connor Goldson returned to his absolute best against Ufa alongside Nikola Katic in central defence and the duo should line up against Celtic.
Club captain James Tavernier must start the game from his preferred right-back position while Jon Flanagan’s experience might get him the nod over Borna Barisic who struggled defensively last weekend.
Midfield
The impressive form of Andy Halliday has handed Gerrard a huge boost in spite of the injury woe of Coulibaly. Yet, the Scotsman might be introduced later on from the bench as both Ryan Jack and Ovie Ejaria are currently irreplaceable in the middle of the park.
Scott Arfield, the Bosman recruit from Burnley, should be deployed in an advanced midfield role.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos’ petulance could have cost the Gers a heart-breaking European exit when an unnecessary confrontation saw him being sent off in the first half. After the arrival of Kyle Lafferty, Morelos shouldn’t take his place for granted anymore.
Lafferty has already knocked down the Hoops once in the Premiership while playing for Hearts and will be determined to repeat the same after netting twice against Motherwell the last gameweek. He could get a surprise start you know!
Eros Grezda was recruited from Osijek following Murphy’s devastating injury blow but might have to wait for his first start as the pressure of this famous derby tie will be too challenging for him to handle in his early days.
Daniel Candeias was sacrificed at half-time this midweek following the dismissal of Morelos but should start at Celtic Park alongside the energetic Ryan Kent who was impressive at Neftyanik and assisted Ovie Ejaria, the fellow Liverpool loanee, for his stunner that ensured a place in the Europa League.
