Rangers vs Celtic: Star-studded Combined XI Featuring 7 Gers and 4 Hoops
Celtic will go head to head against bitter rivals Rangers in the Glasgow Derby, at the Ibrox Stadium on Sunday.
The Hoops currently sit atop the Scottish Premiership standings with their eye firmly on another league title. However, the Gers, who are currently second, are intent on not making it easy for them as they look to close down the gap between the two sides to just three points with a win this weekend.
Ahead of the blockbuster clash, here we pick a combined XI featuring the best players from both the squads, based on current form (injured and suspended players not considered):
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Wes Foderingham (GK)
The Rangers stopper makes the cut for this lineup owing to his recent performances, coupled with the injury-enforced absence of Celtic mainstay Craig Gordon.
James Tavernier (RB)
The Englishman has been one of Gers’ best players this season. In comparison, Celtic right-back Mikael Lustig has blown hot and cold throughout and furthermore, he is also suspended for the derby. Easy pick at right-back.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB)
The youngster has been making waves with his mature and composed displays in the heart of the defence for the champions. Ajer has been one of Celtic’s better players in recent weeks and gets picked in this line-up.
Russell Martin (CB)
Since moving to the Ibrox on loan from Norwich City, Russell Martin has settled in seamlessly and has become a key player for the Light Blues in a short span of time.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
Despite Declan John’s recent exploits with Rangers at left-back, it is Celtic’s rising star Kieran Tierney who gets the nod for this lineup, owing to the sheer consistency with which he performs and the leadership attributes that he has been displaying.
James Forrest (RW)
The Scottish winger has been the in-form man for Celtic when it comes to domestic competitions this season. Forrest, this term, has netted a total of 16 goals in all competitions and is way ahead of direct competitor and Rangers star Daniel Candeias in that aspect, which tilts the favour in his balance.
Scott Brown (CM)
The Celtic captain is a walk-in into this lineup due to his experience, coupled with the amount of influence he exerts on the pitch. Does the thankless job in the middle of the park with great efficiency, which is why he gets picked in this team.
Sean Goss (CM)
The former Manchester United academy man has been pulling up trees with his performances for the Gers since joining on loan from QPR only a couple of months back. On current form, he’s a shoo-in into this side.
Jamie Murphy (LW)
Another January signing that has made a huge impact for Rangers since his arrival, winger Jamie Murphy gets the nod for a place on the left flank ahead of Celtic’s misfiring Scott Sinclair. Murphy has already netted twice and assisted six goals in only 9 games for the Gers.
Josh Windass (SS)
The Rangers attacker has been in sensational form of late and has been scoring goals for fun. Windass, this season, has netted 16 goals in all competitions and has also registered 8 assists. Having scored 5 in his last 4 league appearances, the 24-year old earns a place in this combined XI.
Alfredo Morelos (ST)
The current top-scorer of the Scottish Premiership, with 13 goals, Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos gets picked as the lone striker in this XI, ahead of Celtic’s Moussa Dembele who has just managed six strikes in the Scottish top-flight this term.