Sterling, Ridvan & Sima start: Rangers predicted XI v Celtic

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Sterling, Ridvan & Sima start: Rangers predicted XI v Celtic
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Abdallah Sima (L) and Dujon Sterling of Rangers arrive at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League match between Rangers FC and Aris Limassol FC at Ibrox Stadium on November 30, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Ok, it’s the big one, and Ibrox Noise is now going to put our heads on the chopping boards and risk looking fools by offering a prediction on the starting XI that Rangers manager Philippe Clement will choose.

The chances of us being correct are low – the word on the street is just how in-house this one is, and it’s infinitely more secretive than any other selection in recent times.

But we do have titbits and clues and we’ll see just how correct we are in less than 24 hours.

Butland in goal, shock horror.

Defence is not a big surprise, except that we think Ridvan will make it.

So that’s Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Ridvan.

In midfield is where the battle is won and lost, and as much as we want to say Lundstram and Sterling, we have a nagging feeling he will go with Diomande. Of course, it’s possible he could go with all three…

Front four…

Sima isn’t fit for 90 minutes, but he’s fit enough to start, Silva is very unlikely to be benched for this, Cantwell will 100% start, and Dessers will too.

We can’t see McCausland or Matondo starting, and fans would be infuriated if Wright does. Roofe will be an option to come on, we think.

So we reckon Cantwell behind Dessers, and Silva on one flank… and we’ll gamble and say Sima on the other.

So your Ibrox Noise predicted XI for this one:

Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Ridvan; Lundstram, Sterling; Sima, Cantwell, Silva; Dessers

The big caveat is Sterling, and the potential of him on the wing to disrupt Celtic’s rearguard – let’s face it, Sterling will get the better of Greg Taylor for sure.

So we’re aware of that possibility.

One thing is for sure, Rangers’ XI tomorrow will be fascinating.

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