It’s been four wins from four so far for Michael Beale after taking charge of Rangers.
But the new boss faces by far the biggest test of his short reign so far when Celtic travel across Glasgow for the second Old Firm derby of the season on 2 January. Both recorded convincing scorelines in their final games of 2022, Celtic running out 4-0 winners away to Hibs while the Gers put three past Motherwell without reply at Ibrox
Those results ensured the gap remained at nine points and while less than ideal for the Govan club, it was vital that it at least didn’t get any bigger. Win on Monday, and it’s down to six points and we could have a genuine title race on our hands. Lose, and 12 points already seems insurmountable. A draw will likely suit the Hoops heading into the january break, especially with reinforcements to come in.
Beale is still in the process of assessing the squad he inherited from Giovanni van Bronckhorst. But he’ll be under increased pressure to freshen things up should things not go Rangers’ way against their rivals. Those in the building just now will have to get the job done, and Record Sport looks at the personnel who will be key if the Light Blues are to get the result they need.
Allan McGregor
Michael Beale insists he doesn’t have to worry about the goalkeeping situation at Ibrox, but not everyone agrees, at least in terms of next season. McGregor missed the win at Ross County last week through illness, just a few days after he didn’t cover himself in glory for Aberdeen’s equaliser at Pittodrie.
Jon McLaughlin wore the gloves in Dingwall and helped his side to a first clean sheet under Beale. McGregor returned for the visit of the Steelmen on Wednesday night, and he also kept the opposition out in a comfortable win. It’s almost certain he’ll start against Celtic.
But Gers need a big performance from him. Celtic’s firepower is unmatched domestically and Ange Postecoglou simply doesn’t waver from his attacking approach.
They will get chances, so McGregor will need to keep them out if the hosts are to firstly stay in the game, before they can think about winning it. McGregor knows all this and he’s been over the Old Firm course more than enough times in his career.
Connor Goldson
The centre back’s return from injury is massive for Rangers. They didn’t look all that solid against Aberdeen, but given it was his first game back, a little rustiness is understandable. Two clean sheets in subsequent matches suggests his influence is already having a steadying effect.
The quality of strikers he and his defensive colleagues will be tasked with keeping shackled will take a big jump now, however. Kyogo Furuhashi is a man in form while Giorgos Giakoumakis, despite his contract grumbles, is an entirely different kind of threat and is likely to play some part, even if it’s off the bench,
Alfredo Morelos
Beale had been hopeful that top scorer Antonio Colak would be fit enough to face Motherwell. But the Croat didn't even make the squad, which means any involvement against Celtic is likely to be as a substitute at best.
That means the responsibility for goals will fall mainly on the shoulders of Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian has not played well for the majority of the season, and lost his place to Colak until injury afforded him another chance. Morelos was taken off on Wednesday with what his manager hoped was just a tight hamstring.
The opening goal against Motherwell, coming after a winner against Hibs, should boost his confidence. He has struggled to net against Celtic in previous seasons however, and has been guilty of allowing his discipline to desert him in this fixture.
That can’t happen again. Getting a result will be tough enough with XI men and Rangers need Morelos firing rather than fighting.
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