The Rangers squad has not been as fresh heading into a Scottish Premiership match for some time and thankfully for them, it’s Celtic at home.
Philippe Clement and his first-team squad have been plagued with injury issues this season and it wasn’t too long ago that as many as nine players were sidelined for the club.
But the Belgian confirmed at his pre-match Old Firm press conference on Friday that Rangers have just three players confirmed as absentees for the most anticipated derby encounter of the season so far.
Those are Ryan Jack – who won’t be ready to feature in the matchday squad despite training alone this week – and South American pair Oscar Cortes and Danilo.
So what about Ridvan Yilmaz after he picked up an injury with Turkey and Abdallah Sima, who was reintroduced to the fray from bench last week in the 3-1 win over Hibs?
Clement was quizzed on the pair but did not provide any more clarity on whether both would start against Celtic at Ibrox.
Sima to make impact from bench
With Abdallah Sima missing for most of 2024 so far due to a serious thigh injury, Portuguese loanee Fabio Silva has been largely deployed on the left wing.
Silva has performed well out there despite being more naturally adept inside while Sima is now searching for a way back into the starting XI.
Clement has a decision to make, but we feel Sima could have a bigger impact from the bench with his pace and power against tired Celtic legs in the second-half.
The Belgian confirmed the 22-year-old loanee won’t play the full game due to a lack of match sharpness so introducing him as a substitute could work in Rangers’ favour.
Meanwhile, it appears a decision will be made on Ridvan Yilmaz’s involvement on the morning of the derby so it does seem doubtful the Turk will start.
But we have included him into our starting XI because even a 90% fit Yilmaz is a stronger option than Borna Barisic, who has endured a troubled history in Old Firm meetings.
Here is our Rangers predicted XI for the visit of Celtic this weekend:
Rangers predicted XI vs Celtic
GK – Jack Butland
RB – James Tavernier (C)
CB – Connor Goldson
CB – John Souttar
LB – Ridvan Yilmaz
CM – John Lundstram
CM – Mohamed Diomande
RW – Dujon Sterling
CAM – Todd Cantwell
LW – Fabio Silva
ST – Cyriel Dessers
