Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox as Glasgow rivals chase leaders Hearts

Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon as the Glasgow rivals look to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Danny Rohl’s side currently sit second in the table but have endured a slight dip in form recently.

The Light Blues find themselves seven points adrift of the Edinburgh club following Hearts’ victory over Aberdeen on Saturday.

Martin O’Neill’s visitors are a further two points back in third after a campaign plagued by inconsistent performances.

Rohl waits on key duo

The hosts have concerns over the fitness of Ryan Naderi and Dujon Sterling ahead of the derby.

Both players have picked up recent knocks and face late assessments to determine their availability.

Long-term absentees Conor Barron, Bailey Rice and Derek Cornelius remain sidelined for the Ibrox club.

Rangers manager Danny Rohl:
“Both [Sterling and Naderi] are training; if it’s enough to be in the squad, I have to decide tomorrow.

“Today I can’t say if they’re in or out. I need to see their reaction to the session.”

Defensive headache for O’Neill

Celtic travel across the city facing a significant personnel crisis, with up to six first-team players unavailable.

Auston Trusty serves a suspension following his red card last weekend, depriving the backline of a key figure.

Arne Engels remains out with a thigh problem, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are long-term absentees.

There is some optimism regarding January arrival Julian Araujo, who hopes to shake off a knock in time to feature.

Kieran Tierney is expected to start in defence as the former Arsenal man looks to help his boyhood club salvage their title hopes.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill:
“We are running out of games. We have been trying to catch up for quite some considerable time and we’re still trying to do that.

“Losing to Hibs was a setback, but it wasn’t mortal and we’re still there.”

Predicted line-ups

Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens; Raskin, Chukwuani; Skov Olsen, Moore, Gassama; Chermiti.

Celtic: Schmeichel; Ralston, Scales, Murray, Tierney; Hatate, McGregor; Tounetki, Nygren, Maeda, Cvancara.