The Scottish Premiership title race appears to be well over but there is still plenty to play for when Rangers host Celtic this afternoon – especially for Gers boss Philip Clement.
The traditional New Year's curtain-raiser between the Old Firm giants is usually a key component of the battle for supremacy in Scotland, but Celtic's strong form and Rangers' woes mean the visitors go into the lion's den with a 14-point lead in the league. Table top.
Brendan Rodgers' side are unbeaten in the league this season, dropping just four points in 18 games, and it is unreasonable to think they will suffer a post-Christmas collapse and allow Rangers to stage a comeback.
And it's not as if Rangers' form means they'll be able to take any chances anyway.
They have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, and while Clement's departure seems inevitable at some stage, his exit may be hastened by another defeat this afternoon.
Rangers team news
Clement made six changes to the team that drew 2-2 against Motherwell on Sunday.
James Tavernier and Jack Butland are expected to miss out, as is Leon Balogun, who suffered a calf injury against St Mirren on Boxing Day.
Liam Kelly, Gifty, Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny, Nedim Bajrami and Hamza Eghamani all join the starting line-up with Nico Raskin appointed as captain.
Rangers: Kelly, Rizwan, Propper, Sterling, Gifty, Raskin, Diomande, Cerne, Bajrami, Hagi, Ejamane.
🆕 Starting lineup to face Celtic at Ibrox.
🗒️ Complete team news: https://t.co/YTPipQDdpc pic.twitter.com/94mCJKMgeq
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
Celtic team news
Rodgers made three changes to the side that thrashed St Johnstone 4-0 at the weekend.
Greg Taylor replaced Alex Vale at left-back, captain Callum McGregor returned to midfield while Daizen Maeda returned at the expense of Yang Hyun-jun.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnstone, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, Hattat, Kon, Maeda, Kyogo.
Here is our lineup against Rangers ⤵📋#Ransel | #Celtic🍀 pic.twitter.com/z7Xd6EE8OF
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 2, 2025
