Gassama To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic In The Scottish Cup | OneFootball

After a second-half comeback to finish it all square at Ibrox, Celtic will once again clash heads with Rangers this weekend in an identical fixture. While it was a Premiership encounter seven days ago, their Sunday afternoon contest is a Scottish Cup tie, with both teams determined to progress to the semifinals.

While the Hoops have leapfrogged Rangers in the league race, Danny Rohl must make the home advantage count to seek revenge for their League Cup semifinal defeat at Hampden Park. The ten-man Light Blues netted a late equaliser, only to suffer heartbreak in the extra time back in November. Celtic have revived their rhythm following a midweek win against Aberdeen, and the hosts must step up their game to boost their hopes for silverware.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic

Defence

Jack Butland has been majestic all season between the sticks. He saved Reo Hatate’s injury-time spot-kick but failed to stop the rebound. However, his presence in the last line of defence could frustrate the Bhoys, as their attackers have let them down week in and week out.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 01: Youssef Chermiti of Rangers scores his team’s second goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on March 01, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rohl has lately preferred Dujon Sterling over Max Aarons and skipper James Tavernier down the right. But the latter’s experience and expertise could be key in such a high-profile encounter. The veteran Englishman must be restored to the starting XI, whereas John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez should continue as the preferred central defensive pair. Winter recruit Tuur Rommens has impressed since breaking into first-team action. The Belgian left fullback is expected to retain his spot over Jayden Meghoma, despite the latter featuring extensively since joining from Brentford last summer on a season-long loan.

Midfield

Rohl deployed an attacking 4-4-2 in the Old Firm derby, which could also be described as a proactive 4-2-2-2 formation. While he should stick with Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani deep in the midfield, playing Mikey Moore as a ‘number 10’ would offer the right balance as well as productivity. Andreas Skov Olsen has not justified his reputation on the right, yet the Wolfsburg loanee deserves the nod for his creative spark and finesse in the final third. Djeidi Gassama must operate from the left, but the likes of Thelo Aasgaard, Mohamed Diomande and Nedim Bajrami could be involved from the bench if the gaffer decides to tweak his strategy and opts for in-game adaptation.

Ryan Naderi has a very high ceiling, but Rohl should protect the youngster, given the demands and aggression of Scottish football. Youssef Chermiti scored a stunning brace last Sunday, and his stellar form in big games could frustrate Martin O’Neill’s men once again. Besides Naderi, Bojan Miovski is also an option to slot in high up the pitch.