da fazobetai： This Saturday sees Scottish football’s most definitive derby, the Old Firm, return to the top flight.
da bet esporte： Indeed, Rangers have spent the last four seasons in the wilderness of the lower tiers after going into liquidation, slowly but surely clawing their way back to the Scottish Premiership.
But with the rest of the competition in the top flight not exactly fierce, it could well be Rangers and Celtic battling it out for the title once again this season – adding even more intensity to Saturday’s 12pm kickoff at Celtic Park.
The atmosphere between two sets of fans whose rivalry spans politics, history and religion will be intense and electric. But we at Football FanCast have never been ones for aggro.
Rather, we’d prefer to consider what would happen if Celtic and Rangers joined forces. And thus, we’ve come up with a Combined XI, bringing the most talented stars from both clubs together.
How would this XI fare in the Old Firm Derby on Saturday?
GOALKEEPER – WES FODERINGHAM
Celtic may boast two more experienced alternatives in Craig Gordon and Dorus De Vries but it’s the youthful promise of Wes Foderingham that appeals to us at Football FanCast.
The 25-year-old consistently impressed at Swindon Town and helped Rangers claim the joint-healthiest goals conceded record in the Scottish second tier last season.
RIGHT-BACK – JAMES TAVERNIER
James Tavernier’s lethal finishing from set pieces, the predominant source of his staggering 15 goals from right-back last season, is a huge asset for this combined XI. Furthermore, he always finds the net against Hibernian – much to the delight of the Ibrox faithful.
CENTRE-BACK – KOLO TOURE
Kolo Toure may only be a few games into his Celtic career but copious experience sees the Ivory Coast icon instantly claim a place in our combined XI.
The 35-year-old’s CV boasts two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and countless appearances in the Champions League. That experience represents an excellent counterweight in an otherwise youthful backline.
CENTRE-BACK – DANNY WILSON
Rangers aren’t the strongest outfit defensively but Danny Wilson is a talent who stands out. The centre-back didn’t quite make the grade at Liverpool but still aged just 24, there’s plenty of time to reach his full potential. The aforementioned Kolo Toure could bring the best out of him for this combined XI.
LEFT-BACK – KIERAN TIERNEY
Kieran Tierney was linked with a Premier League move during the summer, which is no surprise considering the levels his form reached at times last season.
The 19-year-old left-back boasts a phenomenal left foot and having him on the opposite flank to James Tavernier is a mouthwatering prospect.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – SCOTT BROWN
Any Old Firm Derby requires passion and grit and they don’t get much gritter or passionate than Celtic skipper Scott Brown.
Even at the age of 31, the former Scotland captain still offers great energy and aggression at the heart of the engine room – whilst his consistent contribution of around three league goals per season is another huge selling point.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – JOEY BARTON
They may have partook in a war of words in the media but Joey Barton and Scott Brown would make a phenomenal midfield partnership for any derby – and especially the Old Firm. Barton’s a little more cultured on the ball than his Celtic counterpart but equally as feisty.
That being said, a red card never seems too far off for the former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder.
RIGHT WING – JAMES FORREST
No player will enter Saturday’s game in better form than James Forrest, having bagged three goals in three Scottish Premiership appearances so far this season.
A cunning winger of great industriousness and flair, he offers the Hoops real quality in the final third.
LEFT WING – SCOTT SINCLAIR
Scott Sinclair’s Celtic career has got off to a flyer, with four goals in six appearances across all competitions for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
And in a top flight not exactly known for it’s abundance of natural athleticism, the former Manchester City winger’s scintillating pace could make a real difference for this combined XI.
STRIKER – KENNY MILLER
Having represented both sides of the Old Firm divide throughout his career, Kenny Miller was always going to claim a place in our combined XI.
Furthermore, the 36-year-old has started the season in decent knick, grabbing goals against Dundee and Motherwell. He’s got the experience to bring the best out of a more youthful partner, which brings us onto…
STRIKER – LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Leigh Griffiths may be a controversial character off the pitch but it’s hard to dispute his talent on it.
Indeed, the 26-year-old boasts 74 goals in 115 appearances for Celtic and has begun the campaign brightly with two strikes in the top flight.
If there’s one concern, however, it’s that both he and Kenny Miller measure in at well under 6 foot.