'Can we not have one normal team selection in a derby game?': Celtic and Rangers fans react to team announcements ahead of Old Firm clash

Celtic and Rangers fans have had their say on social media after each club announced their starting XIs for Old Firm clash.

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos arrives at Celtic Park. Picture: SNS

As expected, Celtic are without several first-team stars. Nir Bitton, Hatem Abd Elhamed and Ryan Christie, along with the injured James Forrest, were already known absentees due to Covid-19. It had been hoped Odsonne Edouard would be able to play after coming out of quarantine yesterday, but the Frenchman hasn’t been named in the squad. In defence, Stephen Welsh comes in at the expense of the injured Christopher Jullien.

Rangers, meanwhile, have thrown a curveball with Brandon Barker starting in the front three instead of Jordan Jones, while Scott Arfield retains his place in midfielder with Ryan Jack on the bench.

Celtic fans

@LK95_: “Nothing less than a win, f***ing intae them!”

@BenTheTim: "Can we not have one normal team selection in a derby game?”

@TheRyanMcGinlay: "Massive day for Welsh. Do us proud!”

@BobbySandsCSC: "2 strikers on the bench and starts a left mid up front. good strategy.”

@dmca0695: "Was always going to be an interesting starting 11. Glad to see we're not making the mistake of starting guys not 100% fit, cup final ruined Moi's season last year. Good luck Stephen Welsh, intae them.”

@ikeitho1888: "Cant believe the way some people are going mad with this team selection. Welsh is the only real surprise to me, but go & make yourself a hero lad! Klimala has the fight for this game and people have been saying Taylor is not good enough! So instead of complaining tell us your XI.”

Rangers fans

@willytoonsly: "We are really playing Barker for the banter here. Gerrard has won the league.”

@BigRangersBear: "Barker... Would've went with Hagi personally but Gerrard is the Gaffer, not me. Maximum effort Gers.”

@MitzisLapdog: "Shocked to see Barker start. He'll either be brillaint or totally freeze and scuff a sitter or two - unfortunately I think it will be the latter. Nerves kicked in big time. Never ever confident on OF day so not gonna give a prediction because it will change every minute.”

@andybearz: "That rangers bench would beat Celtic”

@StuartCab205: "We are right behind you ..... so get right into this mob from the first whistle to the last.”

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