Combined Rangers and Celtic XI catches punters out as Reo Hatate missing and Ibrox wildcard leads the line

The numbers have been crunched on a combined Rangers and Celtic combined XI - and it's selection will surprise a few.

It's almost a football tradition when it comes to derbies and big games that the two teams doing battle have their men put together for a comparison in squad strength. And this encounter is no different as Celtic host their rivals in a pressure cooker derby on Saturday, where a win would put them 12 points clear in the Premiership title race and all but likely end Rangers' hopes of lifting the trophy come May.

There are stars on each side but reputable stat crunchers WhoScored have used their unique metrics system to break down who would get into a such a team that had players on both side of the Glasgow divide. They have picked based on those who have made more than 10 league appearances this season, excluding those who are suspended or injured.

WhoScored's get their basing on a 'unique, comprehensive statistical algorithm, calculated live during the game.' In between the sticks is Joe Hart but he's got new full-back's to work with.

James Tavernier and Borna Barisic occupy the right and left in this 4-2-3-1 formation, with Celtic pair Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt in central defence.

There's no room for the impressive Reo Hatate, instead Hoops teammate Matt O'Riley pitched in to start with captain Callum McGregor. Three of the four remaining attacking players are then made up of those in blue.

Jota occupies the right flank and Ryan Kent is on the opposite side, with Malik Tillman in at number 10. Perhaps the most surprising omission is in attack, where free-scoring Kyogo is put aside for Fashion Sakala, who has netted 20 times to the Zambian's seven.

Tavernier's gets the highest overall