Rangers Vs Celtic preview: Dread

Morning everyone, it's the Old Firm today. And as much as it's a new year, I feel like I've actually travelled back in time to 2018. Since that was probably the last time I dreaded a game against Celtic.

Even then, in that same season we gave Celtic a decent contest in 2 of the 4 league Old Firms, drawing one. But there's parallels to this season given we drew 3-3 with Celtic just a few weeks ago but I struggle to see us even scoring today.

The club has left Clement in charge. Presumably to avoid some interim coach facing Celtic in his first game. I don't want to think about the possibility that he will stay in charge for longer. That's the biggest fear for me today, we lose and somehow Clement is still around for Sunday's game.

Today's circumstances aren't all the managers fault. Souttar, Balogun and Butland getting injured isn't down to him. Although he can probably take some of the blame for Tavernier's injury, since he was banging on about sports science and resting players. But was happy for Tav to play every minute since his return to the team.

I actually don't know who will play right back today. I imagine Leon King will have to come in, either straight to right back or pushing Sterling out there. If it was the 20 year old, it would typify his time at Rangers. No minutes of any note this season, but called upon for a do-or-die Old Firm from the start.

Our other option is probably to play either Jefte or Ridvan on their opposite side. Never really what you want to do, but of the two of them I'd imagine Ridvan would look more comfortable on his weaker side.

Adam Devine is also around, but he's had even less first team involvement than Leon King. I don't really want to consider how out of his depth he'd look today.

What should have happened, given the January window is open, is that we should have signed a centre back already so Sterling could play right back. But that's the action of a well-run club, which we are not.

Going forward, I imagine we will revert to the 4231 like in the cup final. Our chances of scoring are probably most likely to come from pressing well and hoping for errors. Or endlessly slinging crosses into the area, we love to do that.

I sincerely hope we can get some kind of enjoyment from the game. But nothing will change for us even if we somehow win, if Clement remains in charge.