Rangers predicted XI vs Celtic: Summer signing dropped as Miovski misses out on reward

Rangers are heading into one of the most important periods of their season, with a massive Old Firm showdown awaiting them at Ibrox.

Derek McInnes appears to have settled on a winning formula, with Rangers now enjoying a four-match winning streak after their dramatic 1-0 victory away to St Mirren.

Their attention now turns to the Premier Sports Cup, with Celtic travelling to Ibrox for the first of two Old Firm encounters before the extended international break.

With a place in the semi-finals at stake, Rangers will need to be at their best in what promises to be a fiercely contested afternoon.

Rangers expected to keep defensive setup

Ivor Pandur enhanced his reputation with an excellent save against St Mirren and is expected to retain his place between the posts for his first Old Firm appearance.

The Croatian goalkeeper could once again have the same defensive unit in front of him, with Dujon Sterling, Olwethu Makhanya, Emmanuel Fernandez and James Penrice all expected to start.

That would leave Ben Godfrey among the substitutes once again as McInnes sticks with the defensive combination that has served him well.

Nicolas Raskin should continue in midfield after remaining at Rangers despite interest in his services during the transfer window.

Dan Neil has also impressed over the past week and is expected to retain his place. The midfielder could also be handed the captain’s armband for the derby.

Rangers could make a major attacking change

The attacking picture is less straightforward, with McInnes potentially making a significant decision up front.

Djeidi Gassama has continued to threaten opponents without quite finding the finishing touch required to turn his performances into goals. Another start appears likely as he looks to make the breakthrough.

Badredine Bouanani could also keep his place after producing an encouraging performance on his first full start against St Mirren.

The biggest selection call could come at centre-forward.

Despite Kevin Kelsy arriving for a reported £9.5 million and Bojan Miovski scoring the dramatic winner against St Mirren, neither player is predicted to lead the line.

Instead, Ryan Naderi is expected to get the nod, with McInnes apparently favouring the youngster for this particular Old Firm assignment.

Kim Min-su could complete the attacking unit. Rather than operating as part of a traditional two-man strike force, the Korean could be used in a deeper role behind Naderi, giving Rangers an extra presence between the lines while also helping to counter Celtic’s threat.

Rangers predicted XI vs Celtic

Pandur; Sterling, Makhanya, Fernandez, Penrice; Neil, Raskin; Min-su, Gassama, Bouanani; Naderi.