Rangers have enjoyed an excellent start to the season so far, winning four out of five Premiership matches while reaching the promised land of the lucrative Champions League group stages for the first time since 2010/2011.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst faces arguably his biggest test so far this season tomorrow as the Ibrox side travel to Parkhead to take on Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
Despite the season only being five games old, this match could have major implications, as with Rangers already two points behind, a home victory would stretch this to five and heap the pressure on the Light Blues.
Van Bronckhorst’s task may just have gotten a little bit harder, with summer arrival Tom Lawrence ruled out for the crucial match.
Worrying news for Van Bronckhorst
Lawrence has been excellent since arriving at the Ibrox side in the summer following his release from Derby County after five seasons at the club.
He netted 37 goals and registered 25 assists during his spell at the club while also gaining 23 caps for Wales and it has proved to be a great bit of business by the Dutchman to improve the team.
The 28-year-old ranks fourth in the Light Blues squad this season with a WhoScored rating of 7.33 as he has adapted to life in Scotland with ease.
Having scored three times and adding a further two assists, Lawrence has already shown just how important he is to Van Bronckhorst, and despite Ryan Kent occupying his favourite left-wing position, the Welshman has adapted well to performing in a slightly deeper role than he is used to.
He suffered a knee injury in last weeks league win over Ross County and the manager will need to change his gameplan in the Welshman’s absence.
The club have had to deal with a host of injuries recently, with Alex Lowry, Ben Davies, and John Souttar all struggling fitness-wise, another injury setback is not what the manager needs.
Will Rangers defeat Celtic?
Yes
No
Even at this stage of the season, the top-of-the-table clash will be crucial in regard to momentum and giving the players a vital psychological boost.
Hopefully, Rangers can forget their injury woes and produce a performance that is capable of taking all three points.
