Rangers and Celtic will go head-to-head on Sunday as they scrap it out for a place in the Scottish Cup final.
The Gers are hopeful they can challenge Ronny Deila’s Premiership champions-elect after recently securing promotion back to the top flight, while the Hoops will be looking for a repeat last season’s League Cup semi-final when the Parkhead men ran out 2-0 winners.
Rangers have undoubtedly improved under Mark Warburton since that game last February but just how much better are they now? How many players from each club would get in a combined Old Firm XI?
We’ve had a go at picking our combined team, three Rangers players made the cut alongside eight players from the east end of Glasgow.
Goalkeeper
Craig Gordon
Wes Foderingham has done well since his summer arrival and although last season’s Premiership player of the Year, Craig Gordon hasn’t been at his very best this campaign, he remains the best goalkeeper in the country.
Defence
James Tavernier
Former Wigan Athletic right back James Tavernier has been one of the Gers’ most impressive performers this season, netting 14 goals from his right back berth.
Mikael Lustig remains one of Celtic’s most reliable players and is a better defensive option than his Rangers counterpart but Tavernier edges ahead of him due to the goal threat he carries.
Kieran Tierney
The youngster has burst onto the scene this season, ousting Emilio Izaguirre from his left back role and earning a place in the Scotland squad in the process.
Rangers captain Lee Wallace has enjoyed another steady season but with his pace, reading of the game and lethal delivery from wide, Tierney offers more both defensively and going forward.
Jozo Šimunović
The Croatian’s debut season in Scotland has been largely disrupted by injury but in the 18 appearances he has made, he has shown his quality.
Celtic captain Scott Brown has certainly been impressed with the 21-year-old, classing him alongside £10million man Virgil van Dijk as the best defenders he has played with. Brown recently said: “Jozo and big Virgil van Dijk would be the best defenders I have played with in my career.”
Erik Sviatchenko
The Danish 24-year-old has only played a dozen games for the Hoops since joining in January but he looks a more reliable option than both Dedryck Boyata and Efe Ambrose, while Rangers centre half pairing Danny Wilson and Rob Kiernan have looked shaky when tested this season.
Midfield
Dominic Ball
The Tottenham youngster will be crucial for Rangers on Sunday in his role protecting the back four and covering for the attack-minded full backs James Tavernier and Lee Wallace. Offers solidity and defensive cover in the midfield.
Scott Brown
The Celtic captain was one of the first names on this team sheet. Brings plenty of experience, fight and energy to the midfield. His most memorable Old Firm moment to date was going head-to-head with Gers attacker El Hadji Diouf.
Tom Rogic
With his goal threat and eye for a pass, the Aussie has established himself as Ronny Deila’s preferred option in the attacking midfield role. Brings a touch of class to the Hoops midfield.
Barrie McKay
The 21-year-old’s loan spells with Morton and Raith Rovers over the last couple of seasons were far from spectacular but the winger has come of age this season under Mark Warburton, with a string of impressive displays.
Patrick Roberts
The attacker only has a handful of Celtic starts to his name but the £12million Manchester City man has already shown his class. Could be a key figure in Celtic’s Champions League qualifiers this summer.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths
After 37 goals this season it would be almost impossible to leave the former Hibs man out. He had to fight his corner and prove his worth to Ronny Deila but he is now the Celtic boss’ most important player.
