Old Firm preview: Celtic make changes as Rangers name Sterling and Barron

Celtic host Rangers at Celtic Park in an Old Firm derby kicking off at 12.30pm GMT, with both clubs enduring unusual and inconsistent seasons. Sky Sports opened with a ‘Stranger Things’-themed intro to reflect the odd campaigns both sides have had. Celtic make three changes from the 2-0 defeat at Motherwell.

New loan signing Julian Araujo (from Bournemouth) is on the bench, while Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Johnny Kenny start. Celtic’s starting XI: Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Tierney, Yang, McGregor, Engels, McCowan, Nygren, Maeda, Kenny. Subs include Sinisalo, Scales, Yamada, Araujo, Bernardo, Hatate, Murray, Forrest and Donovan.

Rangers make two changes from the side that beat Kilmarnock 2-1, with Dujon Sterling and Connor Barron coming in. James Tavernier and Mohamed Diomande are named among the substitutes. Rangers’ starting XI: Butland, Sterling, Souttar, Fernandez, Meghoma, Barron, Raskin, Aasgaard, Moore, Gassama, Chermiti.

Subs include Kelly, Nsiala, Aarons, Tavernier, Curtis, Dowell, Diomande, Miovski and Danilo. League context is tight but unusual: after 19 games Celtic have 38 points and Rangers 35, while Hearts lead the table on 41. Both clubs have struggled this season, with Celtic’s new manager Wilfried Nancy suffering five defeats in his first seven matches.

Key Topics

Sports, Celtic, Rangers, Old Firm, Celtic Park, Wilfried Nancy