- Danny Rohl criticised Rangers’ “lazy” recovery work after defeats to Motherwell and Hearts ahead of Celtic trip.
- Tuur Rommens set to return as Rangers prepare tactical and selection changes for Old Firm clash at Celtic Park.
- Rangers face key decisions across defence, midfield and attack as Röhl considers formation tweaks and personnel changes.
Rangers travel to Celtic Park with pride on the line, the Gers having thrown away their own title chances but with the opportunity to severely dent the hopes of their Old Firm rivals.
Gers boss Danny Rohl was critical of his side following back-to-back defeats to Motherwell and Hearts, saying some players were “too lazy to recover” under pressure against both sides.
He spung several surprise selections at Tynecastle, but how will the German set up his Rangers side for the trip to Parkhead.
Defence picks itself
In goal Jack Butland will surely remain in what could be his final Old Firm match amid reported Gers interest in Sheffield Wednesday keeper Pierce Charles.
Outgoing captain James Tavernier started at right back against Hearts, with Dujon Sterling on the left hand side of defence.
With Tuur Rommens set for a return to the starting XI after a recent injury, and the pace of Celtic winger Daizen Maeda a repeated problem for the skipper, Sterling will likely return to his natural position.
Rommens spoke to the media ahead of the match, highlighting his recent frustration watching on from the sidelines.
“No matter what the result, when you cannot play and you cannot help the team, it’s very frustrating,” he said.
“You want to help and you want to get it over the line.”
Emmanuel Fernandez will continue as the key leader at the heart of the Ibrox defence while his partner will likely be Nasser Djiga.
The Burkina Faso international was criticised for laughing with international teammate Landry Kabore at full time against Hearts.
He was also panned for his nervy second half showing, but with John Souttar doubtful and Derek Cornelius frozen out, he may need to retain his place.
Rangers midfield decision for Celtic clash
In midfield the plan is difficult to pin down.
Rangers have opted for an attacking 4-2-2-2 set up for the majority of games post-January.
However, Rohl switched to a 4-3-3 for the Hearts clash, utilizing an extra man in midfield.
With Celtic set to start with a three-man centre in midfield, Rohl could continue with this.
However, the poor result at Tynecastle may see him opt for a return to his more favoured approach.
Tochi Chukwuani has been poor in recent matches, with Connor Barron tipped for a return by Kevin Thomson.
The former Gers player highlighted how Barron’s natural defensive tendencies would get the best out of Nico Raskin, rather than the Belgian sitting deep.
“I think a Connor Baron would play that role better,” he said.
“I think it would then take the shackles off Nico Raskin and allow him to go and join in and run.
“Play like how a player would play in the school playground.”
The former Aberdeen midfielder statistically improves Rangers chances of winning matches this season.
Raskin has been called Rohl’s “man on the park” and seems a first pick for the German and is expected to continue in that role against Celtic, albeit slightly further up field.
Attacking intentions
The right wing has been a problem issue for Rangers.
Andreas Skov Olsen has flattered to deceive since his arrival in January on loan from Wolfsburg.
“It’s not just that you bring names and quality in,” said Rohl on the need for the right recruits in the summer.
This references potential mistakes, such as Skov Olsen, made in January.
“You need players that take responsibility in difficult moments,” he continued.
Oliver Antman also seems out of the picture under Rohl.
Expect Djeidi Gassama to operate against Celtic on the flank, with Mikey Moore continuing on the opposing side to offer direct pace on both wings.
Ryan Naderi came on as a substitute against Hearts as the Gers chased a leveller.
He will likely return to the start, like Rommens, as Rangers look for once last big result this campaign.
Youssef Chermiti has a super record against Celtic, with four goals in his last three against the Hoops and will continue alongside the German.
Predicted Rangers XI – Butland; Sterling, Fernandez, Djiga, Rommens, Barron, Raskin, Gassama, Moore, Chermiti, Naderi
