Rangers predicted lineup vs Celtic - Old Firm derby

Gerrard has done a fantastic job at Rangers
Gerrard has done a fantastic job at Rangers / ANDREAS HILLERGREN/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

After a surprisingly up-and-down start to their 2021/22 campaign, Rangers face a must-win game against their arch Old Firm rivals Celtic this weekend.

Steven Gerrard's men waltzed to a first Scottish Premiership title in a decade in 2020/21, remaining unbeaten throughout an extraordinary campaign for the Gers.

The start to the current season, however, has been slightly trickier. Rangers have already lost a league game this season - to Dundee United if you're interested - and missed out on Champions League group stage football thanks to a disappointing defeat to Malmo.

This weekend will be a chance for Gerrard's men to quickly get their season back on track, and here's the XI we think Stevie G should pick to do just that.

1. Goalkeepers & defenders

Steven Gerrard, Connor Goldson
Goldson is the main man in defence / Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Robby McCrorie (GK): With Allan McGregor likely out due to COVID-19 isolation, McCrorie looks set to make his Old Firm debut just a few days after an impressive Europa League debut.

Nathan Patterson (RB): If Rangers can somehow find a way to get James Tavernier onto the Ibrox pitch on Sunday, they will. If not, 19-year-old Patterson will deputise.

Connor Goldson (CB): The leader of the defence, Goldson will have his work cut out against a free-scoring Celtic attack this weekend.

Leon Balogun (CB): Balogun will have to be on his toes to quell the threat of Kyogo Furuhashi.

Borna Barisic (LB): One of the best players in Scotland, when he's fit he starts.

2. Midfielders

Dundee United v Rangers FC - Cinch Scottish Premiership
Kamara will be key on Sunday / Steve Welsh/Getty Images

Joe Aribo (CM): The former Charlton Athletic man has gone from strength to strength as an all-action goalscoring midfielder in his two full seasons at Rangers.

Glen Kamara (CM): Drawing interest from Leeds United and Aston Villa in recent days, Rangers will do everything they can to hold onto their best midfielder.

Steven Davis (CM): Now 36 years old, Davis still has the legs to put himself about and is the type of player you want on your team in an Old Firm game.

3. Forwards

Dundee United v Rangers FC - Cinch Scottish Premiership
Morelos has history in the Old Firm / Steve Welsh/Getty Images

Ianis Hagi (RW): Still looking for the consistency that'll take him to the next level, but undoubtedly a match winner on his day.

Alfredo Morelos (ST): It's fair to say that Morelos has written some Old Firm derby history in the past. He'll look to write some more on Sunday with a game-winning goal.

Ryan Kent (LW): Rangers will be praying that Kent is fit enough to start this one.