Rangers are preparing to host bitter Glasgow rivals Celtic in the third Old Firm derby installment of the season at Ibrox this Sunday (3pm kick-off) - with both clubs heading into the game in contrasting form.
The respective mood in both camps couldn’t me much different as Philippe Clement’s Gers side dismal festive period continued after a 2-2 draw against Motherwell at Fir Park, while the league leaders cruised to a 4-0 victory over St Johnstone to open a 14 point gap at the top of the Premiership table heading into the new year clash.
A win for Brendan Rodgers’ in-form Hoops would see them move into an unassailable lead and all but place one hand on retaining the title just over the halfway point in the season.
Ahead of this tantalising showdown after the two teams served up a League Cup final cracker at Hampden Park last month, Rangers have several injury concerns with up to four players set to miss this game.
Celtic will head across the city to Govan with a near fully-fit squad at their disposal after a number of injured stars made their return to the matchday squad at the weekend.
Here, GlasgowWorld has rounded up the early team news ahead of the January 2 clash:
5. John Souttar (OUT) - Rangers
The groin problem he suffered at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League will keep him on the treatment table until the middle of January at the earliest | SNS Group
6. Tom Lawrence (OUT) - Rangers
Welsh midfielder isn't expected to recover from a long-term hamstring injury in time for the new year clash, but is rumoured to be on the comeback trail | SNS Group
7. Neraysho Kasanwirjo (OUT) - Rangers
The on loan Dutch full-back is likely to miss the remainder of the campaign after sustaining a serious knee injury on international duty back in November | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group