In Sunday’s Old Firm match, Derek Ferguson hopes Philippe Clement does not start one Rangers player.
The Light Blues, who most recently defeated Hibs 3-1 last weekend, are one point behind their fiercest rivals in the Scottish Premiership standings heading into the historic matchup with Celtic.
However, Rangers will play the game they have against the Hoops in the rearranged match against Dundee on Wednesday.
Thus, a week before the league is divided in half, Clement’s team might lead the standings by five points by the beginning of next weekend. Naturally, all eyes are on the derby at Ibrox, which is one of the most eagerly awaited Old Firm matchups in recent memory because there is so much riding on it.
A few days prior to the match, there are a lot of talks about who starts for the Rangers, and the topic was covered in the most recent episode of Open Goal.
Who Philippe Clement will play at left-back and on the right wing was the main topic of discussion. Due to an injury sustained while playing for Turkey on international duty, Ridvan Yilmaz is doubtful for the match, and the right-sided midfield position is undoubtedly up for grabs.
Although Clement’s starting left-back lineup is unknown, Derek Ferguson has stated clearly who he will not allow to play in that position on Sunday.
Before Rangers vs. Celtic, host Si Ferry asked Derek Ferguson, “Who will play on the right then (for Rangers)?” to start the podcast conversation. “Well, this is it; it depends on our little buddy Ridvan,” Ferguson retorted. Given Ferguson’s prior contempt for Yilmaz, James McFadden offered an ironic applause, but the former Rangers midfielder said, “Well, if you’re left with (Borna) Barisic as your option.” I get the creeps from him!
Borna Barisic’s record against the Old Firm is not great, especially after Liel Abada’s wild play during the team’s 3-0 loss to Celtic at Parkhead the previous season. Therefore, it makes sense that Ferguson would want to see utility man Dujon Sterling fill that role if Ridvan Yilmaz is unable to pass a late fitness test. According to Derek’s brother Barry, Sterling must start against Celtic. Ferguson also prefers Mohamed Diomande to play on the right wing over Scott Wright because of the Ivorian’s superior ball handling skills and quickness.
Ferguson continued, “So Sterling has to go in there if he’s not fit (Yilmaz).”
Gordon Dalziel, a fellow former Rangers player, disagreed with Ferguson’s assessment of Sterling’s left-back position. Ferguson, however, pressed his point, stating, “Absolutely aye.” When Sterling entered the game, he took that position against Hibs. And that’s exactly what he does—he moves into any position in the park and appears completely at ease. However, I would prefer Sterling to start (more frequently) seated there with (John) Lundstram in midfield.
Wright would be removed, while Diomande would be elevated. It’s just a result of his excellent ball handling skills and ability to neutralize opponents.
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