The Scottish Premiership may seem over, but there is still plenty to play for when Rangers host Celtic this afternoon, and in particular for Gers boss Philippe Clement.
The traditional New Year's curtain-raiser between the Old Firm giants is usually a pivotal fixture in the battle for supremacy in Scotland, but Celtic's lackluster form and Rangers' woes saw the visitors enter the Lions' Den with a 14-point lead. Table top.
Brendan Rodgers' side are unbeaten in the league this season, dropping just 4 points from 18 games, and they can't imagine a post-Christmas slump and a return to Rangers.
Rangers' form doesn't mean they can capitalize on the opening, however.
They have won just once in their last five matches in all competitions. Clement's departure seems inevitable on some level; His exit could be hastened by another defeat this afternoon.
Rangers team news
Clement made six changes to the team that drew 2-2 at Motherwell on Sunday.
James Tavernier and Jack Butland missed out as expected, as did Leon Balogun, who picked up a calf injury against St Mirren on Boxing Day.
Liam Kelly, Jefte, Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny, Nedim Bajrami and Hamza Igamane join captain Nico Raskin in the starting XI.
Rangers: Kelly; Ridvan, Propper, Sterling, Jephthah Raskin, Diomande, Cerny Bajrami, Hagi, Igamane
🆕 Our starting XI to face Celtic at Ibrox.
🗒️ Full team news: https://t.co/YTPipQDdpc pic.twitter.com/94mCJKMgeq
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2 2025
Celtics news
Rodgers made three changes from the team that beat St Johnstone 4-0 at the weekend.
Greta Taylor replaces Alex Valley at left-back, captain Colum McGregor returns in midfield and Daizen Maeda returns at the expense of Yang Hong-jun.
Celtic: Schmeichel Johnston, Carter-Vickers; Scales, Taylor, McGregor Bernardo, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo
Here's the lineup with the Rangers ⤵📋.#RANCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/z7Xd6EE8OF
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 2 2025