The Scottish Premiership title race is seemingly already executed however there may be nonetheless lots to play for when Rangers host Celtic this afternoon – and significantly for Gers boss Philippe Clement.
The normal New 12 months curtain raiser between the Previous Agency giants is often a key fixture within the battle for supremacy in Scotland however Celtic’s blistering kind, and Rangers’ woes, imply the guests step into the lions’ den with a 14-point benefit on the high of the desk.
Brendan Rodgers’ facet are unbeaten within the league this season, dropping simply 4 factors in 18 video games and it’s inconceivable to suppose they may endure a post-Christmas collapse and let Rangers again in.
And it’s not as if Rangers’ kind means they’d be capable of capitalise on a gap anyway.
They’ve gained simply one among their final 5 video games in all competitions and, whereas Clement’s departure appears inevitable at some stage, his exit may very well be expedited with one other defeat this afternoon.
Rangers Workforce Information
Clement made six adjustments to the facet that drew 2-2 at Motherwell on Sunday.
James Tavernier and Jack Butland miss out as anticipated as does Leon Balogun, who sustained a calf damage towards St Mirren on Boxing Day.
Liam Kelly, Jefte, Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny, Nedim Bajrami and Hamza Igamane all come into the beginning XI with Nico Raskin named captain.
Rangers: Kelly, Ridvan, Propper, Sterling, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Cerny, Bajrami, Hagi, Igamane
🆕 Our Beginning XI to face Celtic at Ibrox.
🗒️ Full Workforce Information: https://t.co/YTPipQDdpc pic.twitter.com/94mCJKMgeq
— Rangers Soccer Membership (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
Celtic Workforce Information
Rodgers made three adjustments from the workforce that thrashed St Johnstone 4-0 on the weekend.
Greg Taylor changed Alex Valle at left-back, captain Callum McGregor returned in midfield whereas Daizen Maeda got here again in on the expense of Yang Hyun-jun.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo
Right here’s how we line up towards Rangers ⤵📋#RANCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/z7Xd6EE8OF
— Celtic Soccer Membership (@CelticFC) January 2, 2025
