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Barry Ferguson names three Rangers players who will be key for Gers to beat Celtic
Rangers could beat Celtic through the battle in midfield, reckons Barry Ferguson.
Barry Ferguson believes the midfield three of Steven Davis, Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo can win Rangers the Old Firm derby on Sunday.
Rangers are favourites heading into their first clash of the season against Celtic with both sides boasting perfect records after three games.
Davis gelled well with Jack during a loan stint last season and Gerrard added Aribo to the ranks in the summer, with the trio becoming the Gers boss’ settled midfield three.
Ferguson knows a thing or two about Old Firm derbies, winning four of his 12 meets with the Hoops, and the Scot believes Gerrard’s newfound trinity can prove the difference at Ibrox.
Together this three can take care of anyone on their day.
“It’s the battle in midfield that will really decide the result and that’s why I’m so excited about this Rangers team,” Ferguson told the Daily Record.
“Steve Davis controls the tempo of everything and dictates the game from in there.
“Ryan Jack has started this season the way he ended the last one and looks to be flourishing playing beside a guy of the calibre of Davis.
“Then there’s Joe Aribo. I just like the look of this guy. He’s deceptively quick and with those gangly legs he glides past players like they’re not there.
“Rangers have a serious talent on their hands. He excites me and there’s a lot more to come from him.”
The four Glasgow derbies last term went in favour of the home side and Ferguson feels that trend will pick up again on Sunday.
“Together this three can take care of anyone on their day. It doesn’t actually matter who Celtic put up against them.
“I expect Neil Lennon will go with Scott Brown, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie and the prospect of seeing all these guys going at it for 90 minutes is a treat in itself.
“As a Rangers man I’m trying not to get myself too excited but I honestly believe Davis, Jack and Aribo will dominate that area of the pitch.
“I expect them to come straight out of the traps.”