5 key players to watch in the Old Firm derby this weekend 

Old Firm derby will be contested on Saturday
Old Firm derby will be contested on Saturday

Two of Scotland's greatest clubs will battle it out again this Saturday as Rangers and Celtic contest the Old Firm derby at the Ibrox Stadium, in Glasgow.

Celtic will head into the game as favourites, currently top of the table, the defending champions under Brendan Rodgers are the team to beat in the Scottish league.

Rangers and their manager Pedro Caixinha will be keen to avenge the heavy losses sustained at the hands of their arch-rivals last season in both the league and cup.

A win at The Ibrox will see Rangers reduce the gap created by Celtic at the top to just 3 points.

A crucial game in the context of the Scottish league season this year and a crucial game for both sets of fans every year, this game is a special occasion for any player involved.

To score a goal in an Old Firm game is what most dream of, but only a seldom few get to experience.

Here we take a look at 5 key players to watch this Saturday, who could go down in Old Firm derby history.


#5. Leigh Griffiths

Celtic FC v FK Astana - UEFA Champions League Qualifying Play-Offs Round: First Leg
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The Scottish international is primed to go this Saturday against Rangers - he hinted at bringing back the scarf celebration he has made famous and got stick for, if he manages to net a goal at the Ibrox. Having done so before, the 27-year-old has the experience and composure in games of this magnitude to produce some breathtaking performances.

The former Wolves player has notched a staggering 66 goals in 99 appearances for Celtic in his four seasons at the club.

A key player for Brendan Rodgers' side, Griffiths stocky build, deceptive turn of pace and powerful shot make him a likely contender to break open Rangers defence and continue Celtics' charge towards another league crown.

#4. Kenny Miller

Rangers v Progres Niederkorn - UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round
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One of the few players to cross the Old Firm divide, Kenny Miller has now completed four seasons in his second spell at Rangers.

A player with a knack to turn up in big games, Miller has scored 32 times in 99 appearances during his second spell. An impact player off the bench, Miller is a dangerous player in the box with a wicked shot on him.

Provided Rangers keep the Celtic forward line at bay for a majority of the game, the outside right forward, Miller an experienced old head can come off the bench and make an impact.

#3. Scott Sinclair

Sinclair is key for Celtic
Sinclair is key for Celtic

Englishman Scott Sinclair might find himself on Gareth Southgate’s radar if he keeps producing the kind of stunning displays of attacking football and great skill that's made him a fan favourite at Celtic Park

A consistent performer in Celtics' title-winning campaign, Sinclair will be vying for a spot in England's national setup if he has another great season.

A win for Celtic will see them extend their lead over Rangers to eight points. Sinclair has looked dangerous this season, showcasing similar performances from last season

He is a match-winner and could cause Rangers more agony similar to that of last season.

#2. Alfredo Morelos

Rangers v Hibernian - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Rangers v Hibernian - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership

The 21-year-old Columbian striker was signed from Finnish club HJK in the summer window. Brought in to bolster Rangers' attacking options, and he's started in fine form - netting six goals in six games for his new club.

Manager Pedro Caixinha will be hoping for the Colombian's pace to unsettle the Celtic defence.. a goal against Celtic will cement his place in the hearts of Rangers fans hoping for a good showing against their arch-rivals avenging previous losses.

The stage is set for Alfredo Morelos to take his place in Scottish football history, with the backing of the Ibrox, as the Colombian could cause a recently leaky Celtic defence some problems.

#1. Moussa Dembele

Celtic v Rangers - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
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The French striker recruited from Fulham last season has proven to be a worthy signing by Brendan Rodgers, as he played a crucial role in Celtics' brilliant title winning last season.

Dembele is a potent threat going forward with a quick turn of pace and incredible ability to skip past players. Rangers will have to be wary of the threat of the Celtic front three.

Dembele has scored 18 goals in 30 appearances since his move to Celtic boasted an excellent goal to game ratio.

Rodgers will be looking to the Frenchman to guide his side and break open a stubborn Rangers defence that will have to cope without their captain Lee Wallace.

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