Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Mark McDougall

Rangers line-up v Celtic predicted as Steven Gerrard struggles with injury-hit squad

It's not often you can pretty much guarantee 10 out of the 11 positions for a team going into a game.

But it's almost certain that there's only one position up for grabs in the Rangers team when Steven Gerrard's side face Celtic on Sunday afternoon.

With injuries or suspensions to the likes of Nathan Patterson, Filip Helander, Leon Balogun, Niko Katic, Calvin Bassey, Bongani Zungu, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack, there's not many options for changes for Gerrard.

There's only four fit senior defender and three senior midfielders so it means Jack Simpson will make his Old Firm debut at centre back and it's a real baptism of fire for the former Bournemouth defender.

He'll play alongside Connor Goldson at the heart of the defence with James Tavernier and Borna Barisic at full back, with Allan McGregor behind him in goals.

The midfield three will see Joe Aribo start alongside Steven Davis and Glen Kamara and they'll need to be at their best with a real lack of 'bite' in that position.

The only real position up for grabs is on the right hand side of the front three. Ianis Hagi, Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe are the options and Gerrard has a decision to make.

Wright is in the best form but Roofe and Hagi have more experience in this Rangers team and with Simpson making his first start and a lightweight midfield, Gerrard might fancy that.

Full team: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Simpson, Barisic, Davis, Aribo, Kamara, Wright, Morelos, Kent

Subs: McLaughlin, King, Hagi, Roofe, Itten, Defoe, Stewart

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.