Old Firm: Will Celtic or Rangers dominate a combined XI?
Old Firm: Will Celtic or Rangers dominate a combined XI?
Celtic have a nine-point lead over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race; both sides are unbeaten
in the league since the World Cup break; watch Celtic vs Rangers on Saturday, live on Sky Sports; kick-
Using their unique rating system, WhoScored.com have selected their best XI using players from both
clubs to have made more than 10 league appearances this season, excluding those who are suspended or
injured.
WhoScored.com ratings are based on a unique, comprehensive statistical algorithm, calculated live
during the game. There are over 200 raw statistics from data providers Opta included in the calculation
of the player rating.
These are weighted according to their influence within the game. Every event of importance is taken into
account, with a positive or negative effect on ratings weighted in relation to its area on the pitch and its
outcome.
Celtic are the dominant side in the team, but it’s closer than you might have thought…
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (Celtic) – 6.59 rating
Joe Hart may not have been the busiest goalkeeper in the division this season, but he’s been a reliable
performer when called upon. Indeed, Hart’s save success rate of 68.8 per cent is the third best in the
league to help ensure Celtic have shipped the fewest goals (21) in the division, while 14 clean sheets is at
least five more than any other goalkeeper as the Celtic star kicks off this combined XI.
Right-back: James Tavernier (Rangers) – 7.63 rating
The best rated player in the league features at right-back, with James Tavernier once again leading by
example for Rangers. Tavernier has returned a rating of 7.63 this season, ranking among the top 10
players for both goals (13) and assists (6). The 31-year-old’s strongest asset is his attacking output from
right-back, noted in that he ranks top for key passes (83) in Scotland’s top tier.
Centre-back: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) – 7.13 rating
Cameron Carter-Vickers kicks off an all-Celtic centre-back partnership having earned a WhoScored.com
rating of 7.13 this season. The American ranks second for both passes per game (87.5) and pass success
rate (91.8 per cent) with his distribution allowing Celtic to instigate attacks from the back and dominate
opponents with ease.
Centre-back: Carl Starfelt (Celtic) – 7.34 rating
Pass-master Carl Starfelt partners Carter-Vickers at the back in this XI. The Swede ranks top for passes
per game (93.1) in the division, and has been dominant in the air where required, with 4.7 aerial duels
won per game ranking fourth. In addition, Starfelt has scored twice and provided one assist this season
to help him return a WhoScored.com rating of 7.34.
Left-back: Borna Barisic (Rangers) – 7.36 rating
Leading the charge in this combined XI is Rangers star Fashion Sakala. Sakala hasn’t been a first team
regular for the Gers this term but has maximised his time on the pitch, directly contributing to 14 goals
(7 goals, 7 assists) in just 1,239 minutes of game time. The 26-year-old’s last two starts have come as the
leading frontman, and Beale may well opt for the Zambian as the focal point in the Old Firm once more
this weekend.
Read more on http://sportsupdates.co.uk
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