The Scottish Premiership title race looks to be over, but there is still plenty to play for when Rangers host Celtic this afternoon – and particularly for Gers boss Philippe Clement.
The traditional New Year’s curtain-raiser between the Old Firm giants is usually a staple in the battle for supremacy in Scotland, but Celtic’s blistering form and Rangers’ woes mean the visitors go into the lion’s den with a 14-point advantage. top of the table.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are unbeaten in the league this season, dropping just four points from 18 games, and it is unthinkable to think they will suffer a post-Christmas collapse and let Rangers bounce back.
And it’s not as if Rangers’ form could benefit from an opening 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 departure could be hastened by another defeat this afternoon.
Rangers team news
Clement made six changes to the side that drew 2-2 at Motherwell on Sunday.
James Tavernier and Jack Butland miss out as expected, as does Leon Balogun, who picked up a calf injury against St Mirren on Boxing Day.
Liam Kelly, Jefte, Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny, Nedim Bajrami and Hamza Igamane come into the starting line-up with Nico Raskin as captain.
Rangers: Kelly, Ridvan, Propper, Sterling, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Cerny, Bajrami, Hagi, Igamane
🆕 Our starting XI to face Celtic at Ibrox.
🗒️ Full team news: https://t.co/YTPipQDdpc pic.twitter.com/94mCJKMgeq
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
Celtic team news
Rodgers made three changes from the side that thrashed St Johnstone 4-0 at the weekend.
Greg Taylor replaced Alex Valle at left-back, captain Callum McGregor returned to midfield while Daizen Maeda returned at the expense of Yang Hyun-Jun.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo
Here’s how we lined up against Rangers ⤵📋#RANCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/z7Xd6EE8OF
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 2, 2025
