It is do-or-die for Rangers in the title scenario as they travel to Celtic Park in search of a win on their rivals' turf but will have to do it with key star Connor Goldson.
Michael Beale will take charge of his third Old Firm derby clash and will be hoping for third time lucky as Rangers go to the east end of Glasgow with no travelling support behind them. Ange Postecoglou's rampant league leaders haven't lost at their home ground domestically this campaign as the task for them of going twelve points clear opens up.
Rangers have close to a full complement for the big game while Celtic do harbour an injury blow in Reo Hatate. Beale said before the derby: “Since I came back in, we have started slow in both derby games and improved after half-time.
READ MORE: Rangers are 'terrible' critics earn Michael Beale response as he rejects Celtic derby 'scars'
“We certainly need to make sure we start this game well, that we are strong defensively and carry a big threat going forward with our key players.
“We are going away from home with no fans so the home crowd will be up so it is important that we start strong and start winning the duels.
“We were too slow in both derby games and that’s not the Rangers that I remember in this fixture, but it is the Rangers I have inherited and it is important that we show a different face.
“That is common knowledge, I am not saying anything there that will surprise anyone, we have to start stronger in big games.
“The team arrive in fine form with 10 consecutive league wins and this is the biggest test going away from home, albeit our away form has been very good. We are in a positive place. It is a game we have been looking forward to.”
Rangers starting XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Souttar, Davies, Barisic, Jack, Raskin, Kent, Tillman, Cantwell, Morelos
Subs: McLaughlin, Yilmaz, Lundstram, Hagi, Colak, Kamara, Wright, Sakala, Arfield
READ NEXT:
- Leigh Griffiths nets Mandurah City brace as ex-Celtic striker breaks duck in five-goal thriller
- Patrick Roberts on the Celtic bond with Kieran Tierney as he gushes over Parkhead 'privilege'
- Callum McGregor in Celtic 'trust the process' rallying cry as he lays out key factor in Rangers plan
- Andy Walker drops VAR bombshell as he reveals 'easiest way out' conversation on major decision
- Celtic vs Rangers on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Old Firm derby clash
