5 Things Gerrard Needs To Get Right For Rangers To Beat Celtic This Weekend

Content Editor

4 years ago

It could be a season-defining game for Steven Gerrard’s men when Rangers travel to Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon. The first clash of the campaign between these clubs will swing the momentum towards the team that comes out on top this weekend.

The Light Blues go into the match in decent form. They were impressive in their Europa League tie against Galatasaray but they were less convincing in the 2-0 victory against Ross County before the international break.

With it being two weeks since the last league game, much may depend on who comes out of the traps the quickest on the day. Considering Celtic’s lack of options due to positive COVID-19 tests, you would back the Gers to be the team to get up to speed first.

Press the next page as we look at what Gerrard needs to get right in order to ensure a Rangers victory in the Old Firm Derby.

Combating the 3-5-2 System

With the two teams playing different systems, it should lend itself to being a pretty open contest, especially if Celtic are having to play a few players out of position.

The Hoops can be exploited on the flanks due to the wingbacks, and that means the likes of James Tavernier and Calvin Bassey could prove to be very good outlets for Rangers’ attacking play.

Silencing Frimpong

The Dutch wingback is extremely quick and has good ball control when in possession. He does tend to pop up in dangerous areas and if Bassey starts then the youngster will need help on the left-hand side.

Ryan Kent may well need to cover and trackback so the Gers can double up on Frimpong and snuff out the threat he poses.

Putting pressure on Jullien

The Frenchman is not comfortable when he goes up against a physical opponent. Whether he starts the game or effects the match as a substitute, Cedric Itten could have a role to play.

You would expect Alfredo Morelos to be given the nod but Gerrard will want to use Itten’s presence up front at some point to unnerve Jullien.

Jones V Ajer

Jordan Jones has managed to get himself back into Gerrard’s plans following some excellent recent performances and it will be interesting to see how he performs against Kristoffer Ajer.

The Norwegian international is not always that strong defensively and Gerrard may want Jones to exploit the space in behind the left-sided centre-back.

Stifling their playmaker

With Ryan Christie ruled out for the game, Celtic could turn to the likes of David Turnbull, Olivier Ntcham or even Tom Rogic to provide the creativity in the middle of the park.

Glen Kamara and Ryan Jack will need to get on top of the playmaker and ensure he doesn’t get any time on the ball. If successful, this should dramatically reduce the threat Celtic present considering the system they play.

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