The two Glasgow rivals meet again just six weeks after the league meeting at Celtic Park. This time a place in the Betfred Cup Final is at stake.
Of course, Rangers emerged victorious from the last semi-final and we will be hoping to have a similar result on Sunday.
Both sets of supporters will surely agree that another penalty shootout should be avoided. Just for the nerves if not anything else.
We will come into this game on the back of two league wins – including an impressive display up at Inverness last time out.
Celtic have played two matches since Rangers last kicked a ball but for games like the Old Firm derby that doesn’t count for anything.
Jordan Rossiter is due to return to the squad for the game. Josh Windass may even return to the starting line-up.
Niko Kranjcar is out of the match after picking up a knee injury which may keep him out for the rest of the season.
That will be a big loss to the team if it happens as Kranjcar was just starting to come good, based on his last few performances.
Kenny Miller could be yet another key figure in this fixture – even at the age of 36. He scored first in the win back in April and, should he start the game, will provide valuable experience.
Celtic will be looking to avenge the defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday night, and that itself could be the main threat to Rangers’ defence.
Whoever will be Warburton’s picks for the centre back positions will need to have their best performance of the season. However, the team have looked much more solid defensively since the game on September 10.
After the late defeat in the Scottish Cup Final in May, a win come full-time on Sunday will be the perfect response by Rangers. We haven’t been the strongest of the two teams so far this season but, if we play as well as we can, that win isn’t too far away.
YouTube: PRESS CONFERENCE | Mark Warburton | 19 Oct 2016
My predicted starting XI for the game is below:
GK Wes Foderingham – There is a case for Matt Gilks here as he has played every other game in the Betfred Cup except Motherwell away. However, for such an important game as this, Warburton will stick with his number one.
RB James Tavernier – He is our first choice at right-back and there is no doubt he’ll play. Needs to do his defensive duties well against Celtic’s left winger, likely to be Scott Sinclair.
CB Danny Wilson – Has been struggling with injury recently but should be fit to play. When he’s not beside Kiernan he looks a better defender.
CB Clint Hill – Had no complaints over his partnership with Wilson earlier this season. Pace will let him down at times but he is better at the simple stuff than the other central defenders.
LB Lee Wallace – Captain.
DM Andy Halliday – Surprising that Halliday didn’t play at Celtic Park but now that Joey Barton is well out of the way he can replicate his Hampden performance from April.
CM Josh Windass – Niko Kranjcar is out so we need a creative player in his place. Windass is that player. Unreal pace and the only one with pass marks in the last derby.
CM Jason Holt – Has returned to the team and rightfully made one of the three central midfield positions his own. Can be a danger all day with his forward runs.
LM Barrie McKay – Will start the game as Warburton has stuck with him through thick and thin. His display in Inverness was his best so far this season and hopefully he carries that into this game.
RM Martyn Waghorn – Has lost his form in front of goal recently. Can cause problems cutting in from the right-hand side.
ST Kenny Miller – Will be the most experienced man in this fixture on the pitch. Knows how to score in the game. Scored the winner in Inverness.
