Celtic will travel to Ibrox to face Rangers in what would be the 418th meeting between these two Glaswegian rivals. The mood in both the camps should be positive as Rangers and Celtic are yet to drop any points in the Premiership and both the sides managed to book their place in the Europa League after winning their respective playoffs.
The Hoops though will have to make the journey from Sweden to Ibrox after the second leg game so that could be a factor for them. The last five old firm derbies have gone in favour of the home team and Rangers will look to continue that run in this game as well.
Team News: Lennon’s side might have won the tie against AIK comfortably, but the win came at some cost as Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer were substituted because of injuries. Ajer’s situation looks like a more serious one, and he is likely to miss out. Edouard’s situation could be touch and go, and it is not yet clear whether he will be fit in time.
Scott Bain is also out of this encounter, and so is new signing Hatem Abd Elhamed. Jozo Simunovic also remains a significant doubt after he wasn’t included in the matchday squad against AIK.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs Rangers
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Fraser Forster has experienced these games before, and he will have to play a big part in goal as Celtic’s defence line is likely to be depleted going into this encounter. Christopher Jullien is expected to start at the back, and he is probably going to be partnered by Nir Bitton. If Simunovic becomes fit, then he would be drafted in the backline. Anthony Ralston is likely to start at right-back. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo should start from the left.
Midfield
Scott Brown and Callum McGregor will start in midfield. A lot will rest on this experienced duo to keep Celtic in the game. Olivier Ntcham didn’t play a single minute in the midweek tie so he should be fresh for this encounter. He could start in an attacking midfield role. Ryan Christie should start over Michael Johnston down the left flank. James Forrest is someone who can change the game in a matter of seconds, and he will have a significant role to play from the right.
Attack
We are expecting Odsonne Edouard to be available for this game, so he starts in our lineup. If he misses out, then Lennon is likely going to bring in Leigh Griffiths in place of the Frenchman.
