In their quest for the domestic treble, Celtic are due to face their arch rivals, Rangers, at the Hampden Park on Sunday in what promises to be a crunchy fixture.
Also known as the Old Firm derby, these two Scottish giants would mean business when they lock horns against each other in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.
With League Cup and Scottish Premiership already in their bag, Brendan Rodgers would be keen to rattle Pedro Caixinha’s hopes of clinching a silverware in his very first season at the helm of the Teddy Bears and here is how the former Liverpool boss might dish out his starting line-up this weekend.
Defence
In such a huge game for the club this season in which a win would ensure not only a ticket to the final of the Scottish Cup but also earn the Celtic faithful the chance of boasting a derby win, Craig Gordon is likely to be handed the gloves.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper has been in a sublime form this campaign and would be itching to finish the season on the highest note.
Right ahead of Gordon, we expect a four-man defensive wall to start, which is seemingly likely to comprise of the central defensive pairing of Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko.
Kieran Tierney has been emphatic so far this campaign and should be starting in the left-back slot, whereas, on the right-hand side, Mikael Lustig is likely to be stationed.
Midfield
While Nir Bitton and Scott Brown are anticipated to be entrusted the responsibility of holding the midfield together and acting as a lynchpin between the offensive and defensive endeavours of the side, Stuart Armstrong is likely to be handed the no. 10 role to cultivate some creativity and spark through the middle of the park.
Without any shadow of a doubt, the result would hinge massively upon how the Hoops’ midfield rises to the occasion as they go toe-to-toe with the Light Blues.
Attack
Moussa Dembele has been in a fine nick throughout the season and should be spearheading Rodgers’ line-up this weekend. The Frenchman, with his pace, tenacity and clinical goal-scoring attribute would be a potent option up front and his movements with the ball should trouble Caixinha’s troops.
On the right wing, we believe that James Forrest would be given the nod to start whereas on the other side, Scott Sinclair’s industry would arguably be relied upon heavily by the green and white crops.
Predicted Line-Up:
