Michael Beale has named his Rangers side he hopes can defeat Celtic and close the gap at the top of the Premiership.
The Light Blues welcome Ange Postecoglou's table toppers to Ibrox in a blockbuster start to 2023. It's been the perfect beginning for the new management set-up with four wins from four since the Premiership returned following the winter shutdown. Giovanni van Bronckhorst departed the club with nine points the difference in the standings at that remains the case due to the Hoops also boasting a 100 per cent record since the return - not allowing Rangers a sniff in bringing that tally down.
However, today could have a major say on the outcome of the title race this term. A victory for Celtic and they would increase the gap between the pair to 12 points but a big win for Beale and Co in front of nearly 50,000 Rangers fans would see that gap cut to six points with a big second half of the campaign to come.
READ MORE: We simulated Rangers vs Celtic to get a score prediction for Old Firm derby clash at Ibrox
Speaking ahead of this one, Beale said: "I am really looking forward to it. It is the derby of all derbies I think. It is watched worldwide. It is a privilege to be involved in it. It is obviously the date I have been looking forward to the most since coming back into the club.
"At this moment in time, Celtic have had a better rhythm than us but we have to do whatever it takes to get the result. I'm hugely confident, it is Rangers at Ibrox,"
"We will meet them at the halfway line and go forward for the three points. We won't make a step backwards for Celtic or anyone who comes to Ibrox.
"This game means a lot, I feel the responsibility every day. We need the feedback from this game to improve and move forward, as second is not good enough here.
"I have no fear about playing this game, only excitement and wanting to see where my team is right now. I want the talking to stop. I want to play the game. In the media everyone is saying Celtic couldn't be any stronger - then what an opportunity it is for us to see where we are then."
RANGERS XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Kamara, Lundstram, Tillman, Kent, Fashion JR, Morelos
Subs: McLaughlin, Jack, Colak, Sands, Wright, Roofe, Arfield, King, Devine
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