Philippe Clement’s doubters have grown ever so slightly quieter in recent weeks with those that witnessed Rangers performance against Tottenham Hotspur looking for something similar against Celtic.
The manager has turned a corner with a squad that has shown more belief since hammering Kilmarnock at Ibrox but the Premier Sports Cup final is a different prospect altogether.
A slight tweak to tactics and formation has been the foundation for the turnaround and this is how Rangers should line up to face Celtic.
Premier Sports Cup final: Rangers predicted XI vs Celtic
The defence restricted Spurs to mainly long range efforts in the Europa League only for a lapse of concentration from Leon Balogun to have knock on effect in the lead up to the Premier League outfit’s equaliser.
With John Souttar limping off at Ibrox, it will be a late decision on whether or not he makes the start line, but the display of Robin Propper against high level and dynamic opponents gives some encouragement that he could yet have a future at the club.
What seemed like a difficult decision at full back is now an easy one, James Tavernier is in his 2022 Europa League run form and Jefte more than held his own against Spurs.
Ridvan Yilmaz was oustanding on his first start after returning from injury too and nobody would complain if he kept his place.
Given his efforts, it would be a surprise for Clement to veer from a philosophy where he doesn’t overload players in this sort of situation.
The midfield has two outstanding performers in Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande with Nedim Bajrami not doing enough to dislodge Ianis Hagi from the No.10 role that he has excelled in since getting back into the team.
Two changes in Rangers forward line to face Celtic
Hagi’s rotation with Hamza Igamane has seen the forward line look more fluid and their numbers make them undroppable too.
As with Hagi, Danilo has shown what a more mobile striker is capable of and is already forming a promising partnership with Igamane.
Rangers have struggled with the pace and mobility of Celtic in recent seasons, Clement should now make them worry about theirs.
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