Predicted Celtic XI vs Rangers as four changes made and winter transfer makes instant Old Firm arrival

Celtic are looking for a response this weekend when they host Rangers in the latest Old Firm derby.

Tuesday’s 2-0 loss at Motherwell has ramped the pressure up on Wilfried Nancy, who has lost five of his seven matches in charge of the Premiership champions so far. Rangers can go level with the Hoops with a win and the former Columbus Crew head coach needs a victory to relieve some of the pressure that is already building around him.

January’s transfer window is open and right-back Julian Araujo has signed on loan from Bournemouth and could feature against the Light Blues. Defender Anthony Ralston said ahead of Rangers: “We understand the magnitude of this game. We have experienced players in the dressing room who know what the game’s all about. We’ll be ready. First of all, we need to show the fight.

“I feel that the fight has been there. We have been showing grit when we’ve had to show it. But as a collective unit, both offensively and defensively, we need to tidy up on a few things. When we have the chances, we need to take them. Come the weekend, it’s a game that we are all very familiar with, especially the experienced lads. And we will be more than ready to take that on.

“It’s our job to create the most positive atmosphere we can. We understand the difficulties but there’s no excuses in football, especially at a club like Celtic. You win and you bring success. There’s no other way around it. Tuesday night’s defeat at Motherwell was very difficult. As an individual and as a group of players, it’s not something you’re willing to accept. We’re in a period now where we’ve got a match every three days. We know the game we’ve got at the weekend, so we will take the time to analyse Motherwell. We’ll take the time to see where we can improve, but we need to get ourselves ready for a massive game on Saturday.”

Here’s who we think will start for Celtic against Rangers, with four changes from the team that lost to Motherwell.

GK - Kasper Schmeichel

At fault for the Motherwell winner and arguably should do better at the first as a poor season continues, but hard to see him dropping out. Will be keen to step up a level.

RWB - Julian Araujo

Now in the door, he plays. Nancy’s three at the back system is so reliant on good wing-back play and the Bournemouth man will have to hit the ground running. Replaces Yang.

RCB - Colby Donovan

Replaced Ralston from the loss at Fir Park after looking a touch more assured off the bench. Not a centre-back but right-sided options aren’t in massive supply, so young full-back gets a go.

CB - Auston Trusty

Remains at the centre of a back three.

LCB - Kieran Tierney

Scotland international was subbed at half-time midweek and returns to back three from wing-back.

LWB - Luke McCowan

Takes the place of Scales in the XI and Tierney at wing-back after midfielder came into the role at the break.

CM - Callum McGregor

Captain a certain starter but huge task in a midfield two.

CM - Arne Engels

Belgian takes the place of Paulo Bernardo in the middle of the park.

RAM - Benjamin Nygren

Swede looking for a performance similar to his double-scoring outing at Livingston.

Providing the pace needed in the final third, albeit going through the middle than his favoured out wide role

Maintain positions as an advanced midfielder.