After Thursday’s European high when Rangers reached the Quarter Finals of the Europa League, they will be hoping to round off the week with another positive result as they make the short trip across Glasgow to take on Celtic at Parkhead.
Celtic are closing in on the league title, with it really just being a matter of time, rather than questions of ‘if they will. Old firm matches never mean nothing however and Barry Ferguson’s side will be looking to give it their all to bring bragging rights back to Ibrox. The intensity of this fixture needs no introduction, and while Rangers are coming off the back of a gruelling 120-minute battle with Fenerbahce, they will be fired up for what could be a defining moment in their season.
For the first time in years, Rangers will have an away presence at Parkhead, with 2,400 supporters set to back the team from the stands. The decision to reinstate away fans has been a long time coming, following years of back-and-forth negotiations between both clubs, the SPFL, and authorities.
The Old Firm derby has always been renowned for its electric atmosphere, and the presence of both sets of fans should restore some of that intensity. While the introduction of large protective nets serves as a stark reminder of past incidents, the hope is that they will only be a temporary measure. All eyes will be on the stands as much as the pitch, as the return of away fans marks a step towards bringing back the full spectacle of Scottish football’s biggest rivalry.
Selection Dilemmas for Barry Ferguson
There’s no question that Thursday’s heroics will have taken a lot out of the players, but adrenaline should help drive them through Sunday’s early kick-off. That being said, Ferguson will need to make smart choices to ensure Rangers remain competitive against a Celtic side that has had a full week to prepare.
One of the key talking points will be how Rangers set up at the back. Given Jefte’s recent struggles defensively, Ridvan Yilmaz seems a likely candidate to come into the side at left-back. The Turk provides more defensive stability, which will be crucial against Celtic’s pace and width.
In midfield, Ianis Hagi could be handed a start in an attempt to unlock the Celtic defence. While Connor Barron has been industrious, the creativity of Hagi may be necessary if Rangers are to create meaningful chances in the final third.
Up front, Vaclav Cerny is Rangers’ most dangerous attacking threat, and despite his heavy workload on Thursday, he may be required to go again. His selection will be dictated by fitness rather than form, as he remains the side’s best outlet. Cyriel Dessers is expected to lead the line once more, with Igamane’s form dipping in recent weeks. The young striker has been forcing things too much, whereas Dessers has found a rhythm and is contributing with goals and hold-up play.
Tactical Approach
Barry Ferguson is expected to stick with the 5-3-2 system that has been used effectively in recent weeks. This setup allows Rangers to stay compact, soak up pressure, and hit Celtic on the break. Cerny will likely operate in a free role rather than being pinned to the right-wing, ensuring he can drift into dangerous areas where he is most effective.
Predicted Rangers XI
Goalkeeper:
Jack Butland
Defence:
Dujon Sterling
James Tavernier (c)
John Souttar
Leon Balogun
Ridvan Yilmaz
Midfield:
Nicolas Raskin
Mohamed Diomande
Ianis Hagi
Forwards:
Cyriel Dessers
Vaclav Cerny
Final Thoughts
Rangers will need to dig deep and show resilience to claim victory at Parkhead. The key battles in midfield and defence will likely determine the outcome, and Barry Ferguson’s tactical tweaks will be crucial. Can Rangers shake off the fatigue of Thursday night and deliver a performance that keepdeliver bragging rights to the Ibrox faithful? We’ll find out soon enough.