Senior player axed in four changes: Rangers expected XI v Celtic

Thu 8 March 2018 19:00, UK

Rangers manager Graeme Murty is expected to make four changes to his side to take on Celtic in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox.

Wes Foderingham, Russell Martin, Declan John and Jamie Murphy are expected to come back into the starting XI to replace Jak Alnwick, Bruno Alves, Andy Halliday and hat-trick hero Jason Cummings from the side which started last weekend’s 4-1 win over Falkirk.

Senior player Alves looked decent against Falkirk but he is one of the four players expected to be axed this weekend.

Foderingham is expected to start between the sticks with a back four of James Tavernier, David Bates, Martin and John ahead of him as they look to keep a second consecutive clean sheet against their bitter rivals.

Greg Docherty and Sean Goss are almost certain to continue their partnership in central midfield after winning rave reviews for their performances in recent weeks.

Daniel Candeias, Josh Windass and the returning Murphy will be expected to create chances for prolific Colombian Alfredo Morelos to fire the Gers to their first league win over their city rivals in six years.

With the likes of Jason Cummings on the bench, Murty’s side have plenty of firepower to try and pick up the win that would close the gap at the top of the table to three points and pile the pressure on the defending champions.