Rangers vs Celtic Tactical Preview: Team News, Key Men And Streaming Links | OneFootball

Despite conquering their 55th Premiership title with four league games remaining, Celtic must not understate Rangers on Sunday lunchtime after back-to-back defeats, with the most recent one being a 2-3 home defeat in March. They have the upper hand on paper, but a third successive win against their Old Firm rivals would leave the Ibrox crowd with something to cheer for in an otherwise dreadful season.

The Hoops have not only equalled Rangers’ league crowns but are also marching towards a ‘domestic treble’ under Brendan Rodgers. The Gers, in contrast, are going through a series of uncertainties amid managerial crisis and prolonged takeover talks. They have not won in their past five fixtures across competitions; however, an Ibrox triumph this weekend should see them script a strong finish irrespective of Barry Ferguson’s managerial future beyond this campaign.

Rangers vs Celtic: Talking Tactics

Ferguson has tweaked Philippe Clement’s 4-2-3-1 and switched to a ‘back three’. But the wingbacks James Tavernier and Jefte must shift a little deeper as fullbacks to deal with Celtic’s flair from the flanks. This defensive overload should help them handle the frailties and casualties in the defensive third.

Rodgers prefers a 4-3-3 with skipper Callum McGregor patrolling the space with his awareness and anticipation. The Light Blues could dominate the midfield game at Parkhead, as the Scotsman failed a late fitness test. But his availability this time would allow the ‘number 8s’, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate, to make frequent box-to-box runs and operate in the advanced areas of the pitch.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 02: Ianis Hagi of Rangers FC and Alistair Johnston of Celtic battle for a header during the SPL Premier League match between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Ibrox Stadium on January 02, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Team News

Rangers

Persistent injury problems across the backline troubled the Gers throughout the season. Dujon Sterling and Ridvan Yilmaz are ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, and the fringe options like Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafael Fernandes are also sidelined with their respective fitness woes. But they are expected to have Leon Balogun back with a mask following a minor operation on his fractured cheekbone.

Rangers Predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Kelly; Souttar, Propper, Balogun; Tavernier, Rice, Raskin, Jefte; Diomande; Igamane, Dessers.

Celtic

With Kasper Schmeichel still nursing a shoulder strain, Viljami Sinisalo is expected to experience his first-ever Old Firm derby. Hyun-Jun Yang is unavailable for a few days due to an elbow injury. But their winter recruit Jota is now out for up to nine months after sustaining a knee injury last weekend against Dundee United.

Celtic Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Sinisalo; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Engels, Hatate; Kuhn, Idah, Maeda

Key Men

Rangers

Nicolas Raskin must keep things calm in the centre of the pitch against Celtic’s free-flowing football. Cyriel Dessers’ poaching trait and Hamza Igamane’s swiftness could make a difference in attack.

Celtic

Daizen Maeda is in red-hot form with 43 G+A (33 goals and 10 assists) in 47 outings across competitions. Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn are also back among goals, but the technicality and vision of McGregor would drive the show from the middle of the park.