Clement benches Silva in predicted Rangers lineup vs Celtic

Glasgow Rangers are aware that they will win their first league title since the 2020–21 season if they win eight of their remaining eight Premiership games.

For the third Old Firm derby match of the season, which is perhaps the most significant game of 2023–24 thus far, they will host Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday.

In their most recent league game, Philippe Clement guided the Gers to a convincing 3-1 victory over Hibernian, but the message is plain for tomorrow: three points are all that count.

Ridvan Yilmaz might be available for the crucial league match, and Abdallah Sima will play a significant role, according to the manager. Will he start is the question. could be forced to settle for a brief cameo.

In light of that, here are three possible lineup changes from the victory over Hibs for Clement’s crucial Old Firm matchup against Celtic at Ibrox.

GK – Jack Butland

There are no surprises here. This season, Butland has participated in every League Cup, Premiership, and European games for the team, missing only one encounter—a Scottish Cup match against Dumbarton.

Butland has given up three goals in his two Old Firm games this season, so he will be looking to earn his first-ever clean sheet against Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday. If he succeeds, it may be a crucial game in the title fight.

RB – James Tavernier

The veteran captain scored for the third straight domestic game last week against Hibs, continuing his excellent goal-scoring run. Tomorrow, he’ll look to make it four straight.

This season, Tavernier has already scored one goal against Celtic; it was the consolation goal in the 2-1 loss in December. The Englishman has faced Celtic in 34 games during his career, tallying five goals and grabbing six assists.

Only nine Old Firm games have been won by the former Wigan Athletic player since he joined Rangers in 2015. A tenth victory would be truly remarkable.

CB – Connor Goldson

On Sunday, the defender—who is Clement’s first-choice center back—will play in his 25th Old Firm game.

A goal on Sunday might help the Light Blues secure all three points and give them a significant advantage in the title race. Goldson scored a double against Celtic in October 2020, during the team’s incredible undefeated run.

CB – John Souttar

Souttar has scored in an Old Firm derby, just like Goldson. In May of last year, the defender headed in the second goal in an eventual 3-0 victory over Celtic; nonetheless, the game was not very close because Ange Postecoglou’s team had already won the title.

A clean sheet is definitely possible if the Scot and Goldson can keep mistakes out of their games. The two have recently developed a strong partnership at the center of the defense.

LB – Ridvan Yilmaz

Clement announced in the pre-game press conference that he will determine Yilmaz’s readiness closer to the game.

“Ridvan is unsure right now; we’ll see tomorrow and decide.” stated Clement on Friday, and he anticipates that the Turkish diamond will be prepared for use.

The £5 million defender, who has started eleven league games since the end of December, has been among the team’s most reliable players recently.

CM – John Lundstram

Because of the midfielder’s wealth of experience, Mohamed Diomande, who will be his partner in the middle of the pitch, may feel less nervous going into the Old Firm match.

Since entering in the summer of 2021, Lundstram has only triumphed in three games against Celtic; nevertheless, he will be anticipating a turnaround in this record before the end of the season.

CM – Mohamed Diomande

A player’s ability is determined by their experience in the Old Firm, and Diomande has proven his mettle ever since moving to Glasgow in January.

The 22-year-old has already made 11 appearances for the Gers, scoring twice, and he’s fit right in with the starting lineup. He could have a difficult time stopping Celtic from making deep runs if he is at the top of his game.

RW – Dujon Sterling

Even though Clement is finally back with wide options, Sterling ought to be selected to start. Ross McCausland might be an excellent choice to enter the game late and replace Scott Wright, who hasn’t played well lately.

This season, Sterling has mostly been utilized in the midfield or defense, although he has also played as a right winger once, scoring against Benfica to demonstrate his ability to play under pressure.

AM – Todd Cantwell

The 26-year-old scored in the season’s penultimate derby match against Celtic, but he hasn’t added to his total in the following two games.

Cantwell has demonstrated a good eye for goal despite playing in an attacking midfield role thus far in 2023–24, tallying six goals and five assists. Clement will be hoping he can keep up this form coming into the match on Sunday.

LW – Abdallah Sima

While Fabio Silva has not done much wrong during his spell on the left wing, the return of Sima is a huge boost for the team.

The on-loan winger has scored 15 goals throughout the season, despite missing 13 games due to a hamstring injury suffered on international duty. There is no doubt he can cause the Celtic defence plenty of problems.

ST – Cyriel Dessers

Dessers has certainly divided opinion since joining Rangers, but a tally of 17 goals in 44 matches is a solid enough return.

Will he be able to deliver a positive performance on Sunday? As the striker has often gone matches without having an influence on the team, something that simply can’t happen against Celtic.

He can endear himself to the supporters should he score his first derby goal, and what better place to open your account.

Predicted Rangers XI vs Celtic in full: GK – Butland; RB – Tavernier, CB – Souttar, CB – Goldson, LB – Yilmaz; CM – Lundstram, CM – Diomande; RW – Sterling, AM – Cantwell, LW – Sima; ST – Dessers