Rangers went with their strongest line-up on their last trip to Parkhead and were blown away by rivals Celtic during a midweek mauling.
So travelling across the city and fielding an inexperienced side could be a risky move by Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
But could it be the Dutchman’s best option with Rangers still very much in their Europa League semi-final tie against RB Leipzig?
Even the most ardent Light Blues fan would probably admit that retaining the Scottish Premiership is beyond them.
It’s a question of when and not if Ange Postecoglou will lead his side to the league title in his first season.
That means it’s a balancing act for Van Bronckhorst between getting the necessary rest for his key men who can get them to the final and being competitive against Celtic.
Here, Record Sport has looked a potential line-up for the derby that would allow him to do that as supporters insist it’s all about next Thursday.
Jon McLaughlin
There is an argument for the Scotland squad man to be playing ahead of Allan McGregor, although the No. 1 pulled off a couple of fine saves in Germany.
But going with the 34-year-old doesn’t really weaken the side as was shown in the recent Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic when he was continued his run of starting in the competition.
Mateusz Zukowski
The Pole hasn’t been spotted much since his January transfer window arrival from Lechia Gdansk with just one top team outing against Annan in the Scottish Cup.
A fixture away to Celtic at a pumped-up Parkhead would be a world away from Galabank but an opportunity to taste what will be expected if he makes the grade in the top team.
James Sands
American Sands came on in Germany it’s unlikely he’ll be in Van Bronckhorst’s thinking for a key role in the return from the start.
The versatile former New York City man has played at International level so at least has decent experience and could slot into defence.
Leon King
The youngster has highly rated at Ibrox and Giovanni van Bronckhorst has talked up the kid from Pollok.
Came on against St Mirren recently after Filip Helander’s injury and could benefit from sampling a top team derby.
Jack Simpson
Leon Balogun would have been the obvious choice to offer a bit of experience in the backline but the Nigeria international is suspended following his red card at Motherwell last week.
The former Bournemouth man has featured just six times this season and looks to be heading out of Ibrox but could play in the left back role if Calvin Bassey and Borna Barisic are wrapped in cotton wool.
Alex Lowry
Plenty of Rangers fans feel he should be given more of a chance in the first team and not only in a situation like this.
So it seems like the perfect opportunity to let him sample the big stage, if Van Bronckhorst decides to rest key men.
Steven Davis
A veteran like the Northern Ireland captain could be crucial in the team to help someone like Lowry.
Again, many of the Ibrox club’s supporters would have the 37-year-old in their strongest XI but he has be used sparingly.
However, Davis showed when he came on at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic and against Motherwell how much he still has to offer.
Charlie McCann
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international has just been voted the Academy kid of the year at the club and there are real high hopes for him. Former Manchester United youngster has plenty of confidence and could lean on Davis who was influential in him switching allegiances from Republic to Northern Ireland.
Scott Arfield
The former Canada captain would be another of the old heads needed for such a daunting trip across the city and is on a derby high after his recent goal against Celtic in the dramatic Scottish Cup semi final win at Hampden.
Amad Diallo
The on-loan Manchester United kid is probably still having nightmares about his last trip to Celtic Park after being thrown in at the deep end for only his second game.
The big money teenager looked lost that night but should be better for the experience if called upon again.
Fashion Sakala
The Zambian was one of the changes for last week’s trip to Motherwell and Van Bronckhorst could go with him again through the middle. Came off the bench in Germany but wasn't as effective in the central role as Joe Aribo at the start of the second half.
