Lineups confirmed for Old Firm clash as Clement suffers Balogun blow

The race for the Scottish Premiership title already appears to be over, but there is still plenty to do when Rangers host Celtic this afternoon – and in particular for Gers coach Philippe Clement.

The traditional New Year’s opener between the Old Firm giants is usually a key point in the battle for supremacy in Scotland, but Celtic’s outstanding form and Rangers’ struggles mean the visitors go into the lion’s den with a 14-point lead at the top on the table.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are unbeaten in the league this season, having lost just four points in 18 games, and it is inconceivable that they will collapse after Christmas and let Rangers back in.

And it’s not like Rangers would be in a position to capitalize on an opening given their form anyway.

They have won just one of their last five games in all competitions and while Clement’s departure seems inevitable at some point, his exit could be hastened with another defeat this afternoon.

Rangers team news

Clement made six changes from the side that earned a 2-2 draw at Motherwell on Sunday.

James Tavernier and Jack Butland are expected to be missing, as is Leon Balogun, who suffered a calf injury against St Mirren on Boxing Day.

Liam Kelly, Jefte, Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny, Nedim Bajrami and Hamza Igamane are all in the starting eleven, with Nico Raskin captain.

Rangers: Kelly, Ridvan, Propper, Sterling, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Cerny, Bajrami, Hagi, Igamane

🆕 Our starting eleven will face Celtic at Ibrox.

🗒️ Full team news: https://t.co/YTPipQDdpc pic.twitter.com/94mCJKMgeq

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025

Celtic team news

Rodgers made three changes to the side that beat St Johnstone 4-0 at the weekend.

Greg Taylor replaced Alex Valle at left-back, captain Callum McGregor returned to midfield, while Daizen Maeda returned at the expense of Yang Hyun-jun.

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo