Predicted Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic In The Scottish Cup
Rangers will resume their Old Firm rivalry against Celtic when the two teams go head to head in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup on Sunday noon at the Hampden Park.
Pedro Caixinha’s side head to the National Stadium with 3 wins from 5 matches but will be overwhelming underdogs against the Bhoys. The Gers will be looking to trade a bitter blow to their rivals’ hopes of completing a domestic treble this season by handing Brendan Rodgers’ side a first defeat in all domestic competitions this term.
They come into the game on the back of an impressive 2-0 win over Partick Thistle over the weekend and Caixinha will be hoping that his team keep the momentum going at the National stadium.
Team News
Captain and left-back Lee Wallace will not feature as he recovers from a hernia surgery. Centre-back duo Rob Kiernan and Clint Hill haven’t featured in the past three games due to knee and hamstring problems respectively. Winger Michael O’Halloran had been asked to train away from the senior side by Caixinha last week due to disciplinary issues and it is unlikely that he will play any part on Sunday. Niko Kranjcar has been ruled out for the season.
Here is how Rangers could line up at the Hampden Park on Sunday:
Probable Rangers Line-Up:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Pedro Caixinha
Wes Foderingham (GK)
The 26-year old shot-stopper has kept 15 clean sheets from 38 appearances across all competitions this season. A sure starter between the sticks.
James Tavernier (RB)
The right-back had an excellent game against Partick last weekend. He should keep his place in the line-up ahead of Lee Hodson.
Danny Wilson (CB)
With Clint Hill and Rob Kiernan unavailable, the former Liverpool man has got a longer run in the starting XI. He has been a steady presence at the back and should start again.
David Bates (CB)
The 20-year old has struck up a solid partnership with Wilson in the heart of the defence and has looked good in the last few games. Should retain his place.
Myles Beerman (LB)
With captain Lee Wallace ruled out Beerman should start once again at left-back. The 18-year old has done a fine job in deputising for his captain and will look to impress against the Old Firm rivals.
Jason Holt (CM)
Has been growing in stature with each passing game under Caixinha. He will continue in the middle of the park to keep the Gers ticking over.
Jon Toral (CM)
The Arsenal loanee got himself on the scoresheet against Partick and put in another outstanding performance. He is surely one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Martyn Waghorn (RW)
The 27-year old has scored in the previous two rounds of the Scottish Cup and he will be itching to keep that run going against the Bhoys.
Emerson Hyndman (CAM)
The loan signing from Bournemouth has become the beating heart of this Rangers team. He will be the creative hub of the team on Sunday.
Joe Dodoo (LW)
The former Leicester City youngster hasn’t been a regular in the team. But he has shown glimpses of quality from the bench. And with Barrie McKay struggling last week, Dodoo could be in line for a starting berth.
Kenny Miller (ST)
The 37-year old has scored thrice in his last 2 games and has netted 3 goals in the Scottish Cup so far. He will be spearheading the Gers’ attack.