Line-ups confirmed for Outdated Agency conflict as Clement suffers Balogun blow

The Scottish Premiership title race is seemingly already completed however there’s nonetheless lots to play for when Rangers host Celtic this afternoon – and significantly for Gers boss Philippe Clement.

The standard New 12 months curtain raiser between the Outdated Agency giants is often a key fixture within the battle for supremacy in Scotland however Celtic’s blistering type, and Rangers’ woes, imply the guests step into the lions’ den with a 14-point benefit on the high of the desk.

Brendan Rodgers’ facet are unbeaten within the league this season, dropping simply 4 factors in 18 video games and it’s inconceivable to assume they may endure a post-Christmas collapse and let Rangers again in.

And it’s not as if Rangers’ type means they’d have the ability to capitalise on a gap anyway.

They’ve gained simply certainly one of their final 5 video games in all competitions and, whereas Clement’s departure appears inevitable at some stage, his exit might be expedited with one other defeat this afternoon.

Rangers Crew Information

Clement made six modifications to the facet that drew 2-2 at Motherwell on Sunday.

James Tavernier and Jack Butland miss out as anticipated as does Leon Balogun, who sustained a calf damage in opposition to St Mirren on Boxing Day.

Liam Kelly, Jefte, Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny, Nedim Bajrami and Hamza Igamane all come into the beginning XI with Nico Raskin named captain.

Rangers: Kelly, Ridvan, Propper, Sterling, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Cerny, Bajrami, Hagi, Igamane

🆕 Our Beginning XI to face Celtic at Ibrox.

🗒️ Full Crew Information: https://t.co/YTPipQDdpc pic.twitter.com/94mCJKMgeq

— Rangers Soccer Membership (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025

Celtic Crew Information

Rodgers made three modifications from the workforce that thrashed St Johnstone 4-0 on the weekend.

Greg Taylor changed Alex Valle at left-back, captain Callum McGregor returned in midfield whereas Daizen Maeda got here again in on the expense of Yang Hyun-jun.

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo

Right here’s how we line up in opposition to Rangers ⤵📋#RANCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/z7Xd6EE8OF

— Celtic Soccer Membership (@CelticFC) January 2, 2025