Celtic are back in the driving seat for the title as they have opened up a three-point gap over Rangers having played a game less. They can land a significant blow to Gerrard’s men when they travel to Ibrox this weekend, and three points for the Hoops should ensure a smooth ride for them towards the title.
However, Rangers would know that this is their chance to be counted and they can’t let the draw against Hibernian Fc affect them. The last time when these two teams met, Celtic won by a narrow margin and the Hoops were the better side. The talk of the town has been Rangers’ improvement under Steven Gerrard but Celtic would want to show once again that their Old Firm opponents have miles to go before they can stop their juggernaut.
Team News
Kieran Tierney is a major doubt for this game, and he is likely to be assessed just before the match. It could go either way at the moment. Rodgers has all his major players available for selection. From the fringes of the squad, Eboue Kouassi and Daniel Arzani are out due to long-term injuries.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Rangers
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon didn’t do much wrong but conceded three in the last game. He is expected to keep his place in goal. Dedryck Boyata looked slightly off colour against the Dons and Rodgers would hope that he is at his best in the derby. The Belgian is likely to be partnered by Filip Benkovic who has firmly established himself in the current lineup.
Jonny Hayes should start as a left back if Kieran Tierney fails to recover in time from his hip problem. Mikael Lustig is back fit and he is likely to start from the right back position once again.
Midfield
Callum McGregor is a guaranteed starter in midfield and he has been thriving in a slightly deeper role in the past few months. It could go either way between Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham for the other midfielder’s spot. The fact that Brown started the midweek game and Ntcham didn’t play any part could see the Frenchman edging out Brown in the starting lineup.
Ryan Christie should be back in his more familiar position to play in the attacking third behind the striker. James Forrest didn’t have much impact in the last game but one can never count him out. He should start on the right flank. Last game’s hat-trick hero Scott Sinclair has proved his worth in the past few games and he is expected to start down the left.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard took the game by the scruff of the neck when he came on as a substitute against The Dons. He should start from the beginning against Rangers.
