Steven Gerrard needs to learn from his mistakes and start Nathan Patterson against Celtic if James Tavernier isn't fit, according to Frank McAvennie.
Otherwise, Rangers could be 'found out' again.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw the last time they met, with a much improved Celtic team asking questions of the champions.
With Leon Balogun filling in on the right flank, John Kennedy's team focused their attacks down that side and Moi Elyounoussi opened the scoring after 23 minutes.
The Glasgow rivals will meet again in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox this weekend and there are doubts Tavernier will be fit to start - despite Gerrard 's recent claims he is 'pushing' to be involved.
Former Celtic striker McAvennie reckons the tie will come too soon for the captain.
But this time he reckons it will be 19-year-old Patterson who is called into cover.
He told Football Insider : “I don’t think Tavernier will play. If Patterson is fit and available then he’ll start.
“Gerrard won’t want Tavernier to break down again, even if he has just signed a new contract.
“Celtic found Rangers out in the last Old Firm, those long balls forward to Balogun caused all kinds of problems.
“The full-back will have to do a lot of running and if Tavernier isn’t 100% fit then Patterson will surely start.
“I just can’t see Gerrard risking him and Patterson has done such a good job, I don’t think it’s mind games, Gerrard’s just being honest.”
The fourth Old Firm derby of the season kicks off at 3pm on Sunday, having been moved from a Saturday 4pm slot due to the funeral of Prince Phillip.
