View: Rohl dumps player after Hearts calamity, fit-again ace back - Rangers predicted XI vs Celtic

Rangers may have dropped out of the title race on Monday, but they can still have a major say in the outcome on Sunday when they face Celtic.

After an excellent run into the split, the Gers have stumbled, suffering back-to-back defeats against Motherwell and Hearts.

Monday’s loss proved the most damaging, with Lawrence Shankland’s late goal at Tynecastle all but ending Rangers’ title hopes.

As a result, Hearts sit top of the table with three games remaining, seven points clear of Danny Rohl’s side in third.

With Celtic just three points behind the leaders, Rangers now have the chance to land a hammer blow on their rivals’ campaign in the final Old Firm clash of the season.

Danny Rohl shifts back to basics with trip to Parkhead up next

This week was always likely to define Rangers’ season, with trips to Hearts and Celtic in the space of six days.

But they gave themselves plenty to do at Tynecastle on Monday after reopening their campaign with a 3-2 defeat at Ibrox the previous week.

With almost a miracle needed to deliver their first title since 2021, Rohl could be set to make major changes this weekend.

The German boss has been handed a significant boost by the return of Ryan Naderi, with the injury he suffered last month proving less serious than first feared.

He could return to the starting side alongside fellow January arrival Tuur Rommens, with both having impressed since their moves to Ibrox.

Rommens would slot in at left-back and Dujon Sterling at right-back, meaning James Tavernier makes way after his struggles against Hearts.

Djeidi Gassama could also come in for Andreas Skov Olsen, whose own struggles continued in the capital after a difficult start to life in Glasgow.

Mikey Moore and Youssef Chermiti have both made their mark in this season’s derby.

They keep their places here, with Rohl likely to view them as key threats, while Naderi’s non-stop energy could provide a spark after the recent lacklustre run in front of goal.

Rangers have the chance to land one final punch

With a seven-point gap and only three games left, Rangers’ title hopes will be over if Hearts beat Motherwell on Saturday.

If that happens, Gers fans will at least want their side to drag Celtic down with them.

It has been a dismal campaign for both Glasgow clubs, with Celtic especially engulfed in chaos amid managerial upheaval and growing tension between supporters and the board.

Rangers now have the chance to all but end Celtic’s hopes this weekend, leaving Hearts with the title in their own hands.

It is not the outcome envisaged before the split, but for the Govan side it may still represent the lesser evil.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.