Barron To Miss, Tavernier To Start? | Predicted 3-4-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic | OneFootball

Despite a defeat against Brann in Europe in his first game in charge, Danny Rohl has brought Rangers back to winning ways with successive victories against Kilmarnock and Hibernian. They have climbed up to third in the Premiership standings, and their recent results should uplift the spirit ahead of clashing heads with Celtic at Hampden Park in the League Cup semifinal.

Celtic, the defending champions, secured the silverware in December, knocking down their Old Firm rivals on penalties. However, they lacked the spark of the previous campaign, which led to Brendan Rodgers’ resignation following their 3-1 defeat against the league leaders, Hearts. Interim boss Martin O’Neill made a strong start with a midweek win over Falkirk, but he recently labelled Rangers as ‘no threat whatsoever’ while working as a talkSport pundit. This should motivate Rohl and his men, as they must seek revenge for last year’s disappointment and get a step closer to the title on Sunday afternoon.

Predicted 3-4-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic

Defence

Jack Butland’s heroics earned the Light Blues all three points at Easter Road. He was criticised for his error against Kilmarnock, but the veteran Englishman denied Jamie McGrath late in the game to secure all three points on Wednesday night.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 04: Mohamed Diomande of Rangers FC battles for possession with Reo Hatate of Celtic during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Ibrox Stadium on May 04, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The German gaffer should stick to a ‘back three’, having discovered the rhythm and flow across the pitch. He restored Nasser Djiga as the right centre-back, replacing James Tavernier, to focus more on defensive duties, and the Burkinabé centre-back must keep his place alongside John Souttar and Derek Cornelius after clinching a clean sheet against Hibs.

Midfield

Although Jayden Meghoma was taken off at half-time after being booked around the 30th-minute mark, the young Brentford loanee is expected to start as a left wing-back for his balance between defence and attack. James Tavernier must not be left out in this fiercely anticipated encounter, and the skipper should get the nod over Max Aarons on the right-hand flank.

Connor Barron would miss the derby due to accumulating two yellow cards in the earlier knockout rounds, but they have Mohamed Diomande, who dominated the midfield battle in the previous meetings while partnering with Nicolas Raskin in the centre of the pitch. Thelo Aasgaard, Joe Rothwell and Lyall Cameron might be brought in from the bench to add more variation and directness.

Attack

Danilo is on fire since reclaiming a starting status. The Brazilian netted in back-to-back games, and therefore, deserves a nod as a wide attacking option. Youssef Chermiti has replaced Bojan Miovski up top, but the manager should restore Djeidi Gassama in place of Mikey Moore for his flair and finesse on the left-hand flank.