The Premiership title is pretty much in Celtic’s bag as they have a 10 point lead over second placed Rangers. However, all those factors would count for nothing if the Hoops don’t manage to avenge a defeat at Celtic Park after Gerrard inflicted a derby defeat just before the new year.
The players will definitely be motivated more than ever as the Hoops can romp to the title with relative ease even though there have been talks of Rangers’ resurgence. Neil Lennon is already an experienced man as he knows what it takes to win games of these nature so Celtic should go in as the favourite for this clash.
Team News
Since Lennon took over, the Hoops have been going through some major injury crisis. However, he would be glad that quite a few players are back in contention to start. Ryan Christie and Olivier Ntcham are likely to miss out. Tom Rogic is back in training, but he is unlikely to play a part in this game. Eboue Kouassi and Daniel Arzani are long term absentees.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs Rangers
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain has established himself as the no. 1 goalkeeper for club and country, and he is set to start in goal once again. Filip Benkovic is available, and we feel that he should slot right into the starting eleven after missing almost three months of action. Dedryck Boyata should be his partner in the centre back role. It’s slightly harsh on Kristoffer Ajer as he hasn’t done too badly, but he should be making way for Benkovic.
Jeremy Toljan has looked vulnerable on occasions, and an experienced head like Mikael Lustig should get the nod ahead of him to start at the right back position. Kieran Tierney missed international fixtures for Scotland but he is expected to be fit in time for this encounter.
Midfield
Callum McGregor is a nailed on starter in the middle of the park alongside his captain Scott Brown. McGregor will look to dictate and orchestrate play from midfield whereas Brown would be in a slightly conservative role.
We would like to see James Forrest playing in an attacking midfield role as Ryan Christie is unavailable. Oliver Burke could start from the right. Scott Sinclair is a nailed on starter down the left flank.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard’s form has been a bit patchy, but he is still getting the job done more often than not. We believe that he would be a better option to start up front ahead of Oliver Burke.
