OPINION
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard knows that he is facing a real fight to try and peg Celtic back when the Hoops visit Ibrox on Saturday – but a tactical shock could well leave Brendan Rodgers and his men wishing they had never made the journey across Glasgow.
A 1-1 draw with Hibernian on Boxing Day has left the Light Blues lagging behind their Old Firm rivals in the title hunt but know that victory against the Bhoys will bring them not only bragging rights but the chance to close the gap and swing momentum back in favour of Gerrard’s men.
So just how does the Gers’ manager leave the Hoops in tears?
Well, swinging the axe on three men who lined up against Hibs and switching from a cautious 4-5-1 to an attacking 4-3-3 should help their cause, with Kyle Lafferty, Scott Arfield and Jon Flanagan coming in for Glenn Middleton, Ryan Jack and Andy Halliday.
The switch at left back – the only change among what has been a shaky Rangers defence of late – should bring some more solidity and bite to the side, Flanagan having shown the ability to rise up and be counted, something which should not be underestimated on derby day.
In the midfield, Ross McCrorie should be joined by Arfield, who can help provide that all important creative spark as well as being a combative presence in the centre of the park, rather than Jack, while Lassana Coulibaly is someone who can shuttle between both boxes to offer support at either end of the pitch.
Up front is where the Gers need the most work and putting Lafferty, Alfredo Morelos and Daniel Candeias in an attacking three could torment a Celtic defence who struggle under constant pressure.
The physicality and pace of the trio can bully the Hoops when attacking and should have enough in their locker to end their struggles of late.
Gerrard has to go bold on Saturday – and doing so gives him the best chance of ending 2018 with the perfect result.