Rangers are gearing up to face their fierce rivals Celtic at Ibrox today without some of their key players, including first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland and captain James Tavernier. The absence of these influential figures adds more pressure on manager Philippe Clement, as Rangers currently sit 14 points behind Celtic, who are leading the Scottish Premiership.
Today's match kicks off at 15:00 UK time, and Rangers are coming off several disappointing results, including a loss at St. Mirren and a draw against Motherwell. This has left them with less than ideal momentum as they prepare for one of the most anticipated fixtures on the Scottish football calendar.
With Butland sidelined, Clement has opted to give Liam Kelly just his second competitive start since arriving at Rangers this summer. The young goalkeeper, who previously captained Motherwell, is expected to fill the leadership void alongside midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who has been handed the captain's armband.
Clement commented, "Yes, of course, you need several leaders on the pitch to get good games and to play at the level Rangers want to play. Of course, you miss two leaders, but I'm expecting from Liam Kelly the same. He's been doing it in the dressing room for the last couple of months, so he will do it on the pitch also." This highlights the trust Clement is placing on his players to rise to the occasion.
Despite Kelly's limited playing time, his experience at Motherwell has instilled confidence in both the management team and the fans. Clement emphasized the need for players to step up, saying, "Some guys are taking really good steps. Nico Raskin is growing more and more over the last couple of months. We want to create the right mentality to compete against Celtic."
The manager's belief is certainly tested today as they face off against Celtic, who boast their own strong lineup and have proven formidable competitors. Clement also expressed his desire for Rangers to replicate their strategy from their recent penalty shootout encounter with Celtic during the Scottish League Cup, which did not end favorably for them.
"We want to play the same kind of game, playing with our qualities, finding the right spaces, defending well, and being compact is very important against them. They have a lot of speed, and they possess strong individual skills," he said. This detailed game plan shares hope for supporters yearning for Rangers to improve their performances.
Despite the adverse circumstances, the atmosphere at Ibrox is expected to be electric, with both fan bases eager for victory. Given the current disparities in league standings, there is added pressure on Clement. A defeat today could lead to discontent among Rangers fans and potentially complicate his position moving forward.
Historically, the Old Firm matches are heated affairs, filled with intensity and community pride. Ranger's supporters, well aware of their team's current form and the significance of this derby, will be hoping for nothing less than three points. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable as both teams prepare to clash.
The match presents not only a chance for redemption for Rangers but also serves as a litmus test for how their squad reacts under pressure. With key players ruled out, it’s time for the others to prove they can step up and deliver when it’s most needed. A strong performance today could provide much-needed momentum for the rest of their campaign as they seek to bridge the substantial gap to their rivals.
For Clement, today is not just another match; it’s pivotal. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Rangers can rally together, exerting their fighting spirit and determination to overcome the odds set against them.