Rangers predicted XI vs Celtic: Philippe Clement to take handbrake off in last throw of the dice

Philippe Clement has made a rod for his own back in recent weeks by changing a formula that had Rangers playing their best football for some time.

The manager stuck to his guns and blamed the squad for making individual errors for recent dropped points against St Mirren and Motherwell, despite some questionable selection decisions.

With his job hanging by a thread, the last thing Clement would have wanted is to play Celtic next, a fixture that could define Rangers plans.

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Rangers predicted XI vs Celtic: Patchwork defence?

After a successful game plan at Hampden, it would be easy to repeat the same formula, however, this is how Rangers should set up.

If defences win titles, this team is winning nothing. The inability to do the basics has cost them the league cup and any chance of a title challenge in the Scottish Premiership.

The problem facing Clement is that he doesn’t have many options.

If Leon Balogun recovers, he will line up in the back four alongside Jefte, Robin Propper and Dujon Sterling.

If the veteran defender doesn’t pass a late fitness test, Clement might have to throw Leon King in at the deepend or put a square peg into a round hole.

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Given how he rotates, the chances of Ridvan Yilmaz playing two games in quick succession are slim.

The midfield pairing of Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande worked perfectly at Hampden and won the battle of the middle of the park for the first time in a long time in a derby.

Clement needs to take the handbrake off in attack

Ahead of them, despite Nedim Bajrami marshalling Callum McGregor last time out, Ianis Hagi should get the nod with a change on the left.

When they are fit, the front three should always be Danilo, Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny, especially at home, regardless of the opposition.

Along with Hagi, they have the ability to rotate and interchange positions which should make Rangers harder to play against.

Having Oscar Cortes and Nedim Bajrami on the bench gives Clement the sort of depth that he has craved since arriving at the club.

He now has the players to beat Celtic, if he gets his selection right.

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