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Rangers team news: Predicted Rangers line up vs Celtic – Which new signings will play?
RANGERS take on Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season this weekend, but which of Steven Gerrard’s new signings will feature?
Rangers have had a busy summer with a host of new signings joining the club following Steven Gerrard’s appointment as manager.
The former Liverpool captain is currently undefeated in 12 matches across all competitions as the Gers booked their place in the Europa League group stage.
The Ibrox club have navigated four qualifying ties and a Scottish Cup clash with St Mirren while also picking up five points from their first three Scottish Premiership matches.
Next up are rivals Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season, but it could be a very different Rangers XI to the side which was beaten 5-0 in April.
New signing Kyle Lafferty, who played for Rangers between 2008 and 2012, has returned to the club after resurrecting his career last season at Hearts and could come straight into the starting XI.
Gerrard has been deploying Alfredo Morelos in a lone striker’s role up front so far this season, but may choose to pair the Colombian with the returning frontman.
Meanwhile, Joe Worrall has also completed his temporary move from Nottingham Forest but is initially expected to provide back-up for the new-look centre-back pairing of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic.
Gerrard’s former team-mate Jon Flanagan is expected to complete the revised back four alongside James Tavernier, despite being sent-off against FC Ufa in midweek.
The Rangers boss also raided his former club to snap up winger Ovie Ejaria on loan earlier in the transfer window, while Dominic Solanke is being linked with a deadline-day move north of the border.
Liverpool loanee Ryan Kent is expected to partner Ryan Jack in midfield against the Hoops, leaving Scott Arfield and Daniel Candeias to play out wide if Rangers play two up front.
Andy Halliday has been deployed at left-back and on the left side of midfield so far this season but may be forced to watch on from the sidelines depending on Gerrard’s midfield selections.
Meanwhile, Jamie Murphy is not expected to feature after picking up a knee injury during the 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock.