Barry Ferguson hints at Celtic 'surprise' from Michael Beale with Rangers starting XI twist

Barry Ferguson reckons Michael Beale will spring a surprise on Celtic this weekend.

The Rangers boss takes his team across Glasgow knowing that defeat will see them slip 12 points behind their bitter rivals and well and truly end the title race, if it's not over already. Victory at Parkhead could maybe breathe new life into Rangers in their attempts to reel in the Champions, but they’d still be relying on snookers with only one more Premiership meeting between the two to come after the split.

Beale’s last two attempts have resulted in a 2-2 draw at Ibrox and a 2-1 defeat in the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden - the only matches he’s failed to win since returning to Govan as boss. Ferguson is hoping it will be third time lucky for Beale and is looking forward to seeing how he approaches the latest instalment between Scottish football’s big two.

He told Go Radio: "It’s the same as when I played, I’m always nervous and I had to feel that way leading up to this game. I still feel that way, even though I'm retired now a long time.

“Rangers know how important this is on Saturday. The last performance at Hampden wasn’t up to scratch and I think Michael Beale knows that. Listen, I think he’s done a great job since he’s come in. There’s no doubt he’s improved them. It was a good January with two quality players coming in as well. I’m looking forward to it because I think he's going to do something a bit different and maybe surprise a few people with the personnel that’s going to be in the starting XI.”

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