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Pundit backs Gerrard to make bold Rangers decision against Celtic

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Former Ibrox star Lee McCulloch believes Rangers manager Steven Gerrard should start Jermain Defoe ahead of Alfredo Morelos against Celtic on Sunday, writing in The Evening Times.

Morelos’ recent four-match suspension has given Defoe the chance to make the striking position in Gerrard’s starting eleven his own over the last month, scoring three goals and assisting three more in five games.

There are question marks about the Colombian’s temperament, especially in big matches, and Defoe was given the nod over the 22-year-old on Sunday against Hibs despite the young forward again being available.

McCulloch wants that to continue this weekend, explaining in The Evening Times: “Jermain Defoe is the striker in form, the one that has scored the goals for Rangers in recent weeks and, for me, he gets the nod to start against Celtic. I think it has got to be him. If you are only going with one striker, which Rangers will, then he starts ahead of Alfredo Morelos.”

Gerrard will know it’s a decision that could end up defining the derby fixture, so it’s one he must carefully consider and most importantly get right.

Only he has an insight into the mentality and training form of both players ahead of the weekend and we must trust his decision whichever player he goes for.

Personally though, I am in agreement with McCulloch, I reckon it has to be Defoe. We have been playing some classy stuff as a team in recent weeks and we must capitalise on that confidence.

For all his strengths, Morelos has rarely performed in derby matches and it’s time to see what the veteran skills of Defoe can achieve against the Hoops.

Would you start Defoe or Morelos on Sunday? Have your say below…

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