Michael Beale's simple prediction Rangers must realise against Celtic

“It’s important our big players step up tomorrow.”

It’s cliché because it’s true, managers bear the responsibility for individual errors despite their inability to influence them and, as already well-divulged, Rangers’ big players did not step up in big moments on that day. The most recent Old Firm encounter was complete with what-ifs – nobody remembers performances in these games that don’t bring a happy ending.

What if Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos had shown more incision in the final third to capitalise on the moments created? Or, how different could the game of looked had Ben Davies and John Souttar not each handed Celtic a goal in the second half?

Unlike other encounters with Celtic in the last year, the 3-2 defeat was not a tactical mismatch. Beale altered his approach from Hampden, pressing in a 4-4-2 rather than a narrow 4-3-3 and engaging far higher up the pitch. The plan, generally, was to compete for control. Celtic were unable to play out and hold possession of the ball and, despite the déjà vu nature of their opening strike, generally saw their attacking play at home stunted.

Whether they adapt their ploy somewhat in response, perhaps altering the build-up structure to disrupt Rangers’ press, remains to be seen. You’d imagine Beale will plan for such eventualities.

The league game was not, unlike the League Cup final, decided by style. The last Hampden meeting towards the end of February saw Beale criticised for his team selection and approach, but lessons from that day look to have been learned.

Working on the presumption that Sunday's Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final will not be decided by style but personnel, Beale will likely be repeating a very similar message come press conference day on Friday. This will again be a team game decided by individuals.

Firstly, let’s talk about the front three. Last time out it was Malik Tillman, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent. Tillman, playing off Morelos, was tasked with plenty of box-to-box work and shooting opportunities generally fell to his attacking partners.

Kent faced criticism not necessarily for his actions but lack thereof. He failed to release Morelos early on when a well-timed press retrieved the ball high up the pitch and both players lacked end product when racing through at 3-2 – exchanging passes instead of pulling the trigger.

It was a painful sequence of play and so stark compared to previous big-game performances. How many ties did Kent help decide on the road to Seville? Up until last season, Old Firm games always seemed to get the best out of him.

Morelos was unable to capitalise like Kyogo but offered his side a focal point to play off. There’s no denying the Colombian isn’t what he was and yet, a lack of alternative options seems to secure his place.

Perhaps Rangers need to try and get Tillman into better areas, or allow Cantwell the free role with the young American operating slightly deeper. Fashion Sakala’s erratic streak was on full show at Pittodrie and his involvement is more likely to come from the bench.

Beale will again want to go toe-to-toe in possession and a Cantwell, Kent and Tillman trio should enable that.

Connor Goldson is expected to return having missed the last three games with a hip injury and if ready, undoubtedly reclaims his spot. The question is, who plays next to him?

A general survey of the fan base would probably favour John Souttar at this moment in time given Davies’ showings in the past few weeks.

Souttar and Goldson have only played one competitive game together, the opening day of the season against Livingston, while Davies has built up a partnership with the vice-captain. And, there’s the left-footed argument. It’s easy to suggest ‘defending is about defending’ and yes, in-possession ability is not the most important role of a centre-back. For the risk of playing Davies on the basis of form, there is also a legitimate one in throwing in Souttar.

READ MORE: Michael Beale's tactics explained: Why Rangers look good for Hampden

With no Ryan Jack, the midfield will pick itself. Nico Raskin was Rangers’ best player in the two side’s last meeting and will need to stand tall again. This time last year John Lundstram was at the peak of his powers. With his contract set to enter its last year, he’ll know of the need to impose himself on a fixture that’s passed him by too often of late.

In their recent Old Firm defeat Rangers lacked protagonists, to borrow judgement from this writer’s post-match analysis.

“The difference? Difference-makers. In a game where margins were fine the home side heaved potential in their favour.

“Rangers had a legitimate goal disallowed and handed two away and yet there was still legitimate scope for points.

“The reason this was a missed opportunity for the Ibrox side was that no one, Tavernier aside, could quite grab this game and turn it to their will. Rangers lacked a protagonist in the forward area. The ascendency enjoyed at the start of the second half was left precariously hanging, for the hosts to subsequently grab and exploit.”

For Sunday to be different, this must be different. All big results require big moments from big players. Who will step up for Rangers?