We're counting down the hours to Sunday's Old Firm showdown at Ibrox as Rangers look to take a giant stride towards the title.

Victory over Celtic would see Philippe Clement's men leapfrog their arch-rivals and still have a game in hand.

With Ridvan still a doubt, will that alter the Belgian's team selection?

Our writers select their starting XIs for the clash.

Chris Jack

Philippe Clement has selection problems to solve ahead of the Old Firm showdown. Thankfully, they are very different to the ones that he has been faced with for so much of his tenure. This time, it is not a case of just going with those who are fit enough to get through the minutes.

A handful of players who have contributed over the course of the campaign will miss out on a spot and it is perhaps harsh on them. The likes of Tom Lawrence, Ross McCausland, Rabbi Matondo and Cyriel Dessers fall into that category. Each could still have a part to play on derby day.

Starting Abdallah Sima is a risk worth taking. Even if he can only get through an hour, it would be a huge boost to see him striding out of the Ibrox tunnel and taking his place. On the other side, Dujon Sterling has to start somewhere, and this looks like his most useful berth, as long as he is not required at left-back.

The No.9 role is the main talking point. It could be argued that the man that doesn’t start has the better chance of becoming the match winner, but Rangers need to be on the front foot and need to be clinical. If a chance falls to Fabio Silva, you would back him to convert it more than you would Dessers. For that reason, he gets the nod to lead the line.

READ MORE: Sima, Dessers and a right-sided issue: Here's who starts in the Old Firm - 4Lads

Joshua Barrie

Clement said no decision had been made regarding Ridvan Yilmaz's involvement in Sunday's Old Firm by Friday afternoon - but this writer suspects the Turkish left-back will be ready for the fixture. That should be the only change to the back five.

In midfield, Dujon Sterling hasn't started since he pulled up injured against Hibs last month but is a certainty to start this game. Rather than starting him in the midfield, Clement will likely play him from the right. Mohamed Diomande will have an important role to fulfil at the base of midfield enabling his side to play through pressure, while John Lundstram has been a constant since the Belgian manager arrived at the club.

Abdallah Sima is fit to start but won't manage the full 90 minutes. Clement will need to predict whether the Senegalese forward is best used as an impact substitute or starter. Given the lack of depth out wide and the vitality of a fast start, playing Sima from the off seems likely. 

Todd Cantwell needs a big performance in this fixture up against Callum McGregor. Given the 26-year-old is a better runner off the ball than Tom Lawrence and has been Clement's first-pick at No.10 lately, expect him to play at the top of midfield. 

That leaves the No.9 position and although this writer would like to see Fabio Silva start, Cyriel Dessers has the jersey for now. An Old Firm goal could catapult his Rangers career. A big miss in this fixture doesn't bear thinking about.

Derek Clark

It remains to be seen if Ridvan will make the starting line-up on Sunday. Rangers are a stronger and more balanced side with the Turk in it and given he has trained this week then you'd like to think he'll be ready.

The only other alterations to the team that beat Hibs last weekend should see Scott Wright make way for Dujon Sterling and Abdallah Sima replace Fabio Silva.

As much as Wright performed well against Nick Montgomery's men, this is a game made for Sterling. His physicality and power will cause Celtic problems but don't be surprised to see Wright feature from the bench as the match wears on.

The manager said Sima was able to start the game but not capable of lasting 90 minutes so he has a decision to make to use him from the off or as an impact sub. Like Sterling, his directness and athleticism could be key components for Rangers to get a positive result. 

Other than that, Rangers need big performances from the likes of Todd Cantwell who failed to spark in the previous encounter and Cyriel Dessers needs to make sure the shooting boots are on. He cannot afford to squander the chance he passed up at Parkhead.