Rangers manager Derek McInnes must restructure his forward line for his Old Firm managerial debut this afternoon following a severe hamstring tear for striker Lawrence Shankland.
The Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox will proceed without the forward, while winger Daisuke Yokota remains a significant doubt due to an ongoing groin problem. These critical absences leave the hosts navigating a depleted forward line ahead of the midday kick-off, which will be broadcast domestically on Premier Sports 1.
Miovski Shoulders Ibrox Goalscoring Burden
Bojan Miovski is expected to anchor the attack after netting a stoppage-time winner against St Mirren in midweek to secure a fourth consecutive league victory. McInnes must rely heavily on the remaining senior squad members as he manages his first Glasgow derby with no away supporters permitted inside the stadium.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill crosses the city with an unblemished domestic record of six consecutive Scottish Premiership victories. The visitors have scored 14 league goals and conceded just three this term. Their attacking threat is spearheaded by new arrival Camilo Duran, who has registered six goals in nine appearances, alongside Kasper Hogh following his recent hat-trick.
The Glasgow rivals share an identical historical record of 172 victories across 452 meetings. Their last major domestic cup encounter in March ended in a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory for Celtic following a goalless draw.
The victors this afternoon will advance to the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.
