The Scottish Premiership title race is seemingly over, but there is still plenty to play for when Rangers host Celtic this afternoon – and especially for Gers boss Philippe Clement.
The traditional New Year’s curtain-raiser between the Old Firm giants is usually a key fixture in the battle for Scottish supremacy, but Celtic’s blistering form and Rangers’ woes mean the visitors go into the lion’s den with a 14-point lead at the 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 collapse after Christmas and let Rangers back into the game.
And it’s not as if Rangers’ form means they could take advantage of the 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 enter the starting 11, and Nico Raskin is named captain.
Rangers: Kelly, Ridvan, Propper, Sterling, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Cerny, Bajrami, Hagi, Igamane
🆕 Our starting 11 against Celtic at Ibrox.
🗒️ Full news about the team: https://t.co/YTPipQDdpc pic.twitter.com/94mCJKMgeq
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
Celtic Team News
Rodgers made three changes to the team that defeated 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 for Yang Hyun-jun.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo
Here’s how we fight against Rangers ⤵📋#RANCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/z7Xd6EE8OF
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 2, 2025
