Rangers vs Celtic line-ups predicted: Sterling and Sima start

Philippe Clement admits he will take risks with his team selection with numerous members of the squad still on their journey back from injury. The Belgian boss hopes his side can end on a high with Rangers yet to win an Old Firm in 2023/24.

Who will make the starting 11? Here's what the Rangers Review thinks...

Joshua Barrie

This writer is normally a stickler for the process and has rolled his eyes more than most at suggestions of 'playing Tav further forward' and 'ripping things up to start again'. Despite Clement's suggestions that recent Old Firm games have been close Rangers still have not won any of them, however. There's not enough evidence to suggest that they should simply roll out the plan that failed last time around. It's time to make a change.

Clement has only deviated away from his 4-2-3-1 system once since arriving at Ibrox - when injury forced his hand away at Sparta Prague. Tomorrow a slight tweak in the shape could enable Rangers to match up Celtic's strengths in midfield numerically, enable Todd Cantwell the autonomy to drift infield from the left and Abdallah Sima license to target Greg Taylor on the Rangers right.

Ridvan Yilmaz is a big injury doubt but Clement did suggest at yesterday's press conference that such risks would be taken.

Dujon Sterling's support for Tavernier could be crucial and while Nico Raskin hasn't enjoyed a good season, his qualities suit this game. Starting John Lundstram and Tom Lawrence isn't an approach that's worked in the past two meetings with Brendan Rodgers' side.

Additional reading...

The 2023 midfield truth Philippe Clement must learn to overcome Celtic's joker

Van Bronckhorst's assistant Vos: Gio needed better backing - here's what went wrong

Ex-Rangers assistant explains the key tactic needed to beat Celtic at Hampden

Chris Jack

Philippe Clement kept his cards close to his chest on Thursday. Selecting his side for Saturday is, therefore, a tricky business.

If Leon Balogun is able to return to action then he has to come back into the heart of the defence. He is likely to be partnered by Ben Davies. On the left, so much is riding on the fitness of Borna Barisic given that youngster Robbie Fraser is the only other option.

Ahead of them, John Lundstram does not deserve to come straight back in. Clement must alter his formation in the middle of the park and Dujon Sterling would provide the required energy and composure alongside Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande. Rangers need to find a way to combat Celtic in that area and there should be no place for Tom Lawrence or Todd Cantwell.

Cyriel Dessers will lead the line and has the chance to end a rollercoaster campaign as a hero if he can score a Hampden winner. Either side of him, Abdallah Sima has to start if he is able to get through an hour. The other spot is between Fabio Silva and Ross McCausland. The Northern Irishman deserves it on form but Silva looks more likely to get the nod in his final match before returning to Wolves.