Rangers are having an incredible European run as they have progressed to the semifinals of the Europa League defeating Braga on aggregate. But Celtic, their bitter rivals, have reclaimed the domestic supremacy by conquering the League Cup crown as well as stretching their lead to six points at the top of the Premiership standings. A ‘treble’ is up for grabs and the Hoops are aiming for a third successive win against Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
These two Glasgow giants would lock horns in an epic Scottish Cup semifinal at Hampden Park. The Gers must be fatigued after a gruelling 120 minutes on Thursday night, and Celtic should make it count by replicating the outcome scripted at Ibrox earlier this month.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers
Defence
Joe Hart earned a comfortable cleansheet last weekend in their emphatic 7-0 win against St. Johnstone. Rangers failed to trouble him enough over the past two meetings, but the English custodian might face a sterner test in this knockout outing.
Celtic have a stable and resilient backline that showed its mastery at Ibrox. Ange Postecoglou must not alter the same even though he has got ample options across the pitch. Josip Juranovic should continue as the right fullback, whereas Greg Taylor is expected to operate from the left exhibiting his discipline and balance between defence and attack. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt, the standout performers versus the Light Blues, need to deliver another masterclass in the heart of the defensive line.
Midfield
The winter arrival of Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley and Yosuke Ideguchi restored their depth as well as quality in the middle of the park. Skipper Callum McGregor would pull the strings as a deep-lying playmaker and the box-to-box movements, dribbles and defence-splitting through balls from Tom Rogic might expose the Gers. Despite struggling in their previous clash, Reo Hatate must keep his place as a ‘number 8’ due to his immense work rate, swift movements, pressing and ball-carrying ability from the deep. David Turnbull remains a doubt due to a heavy knock picked up last week.
Attack
Although Giorgos Giakoumakis is a major doubt after suffering a hamstring strain against the Saints, the manager must be delighted to have Kyogo Furuhashi back in action after a long injury layoff. However, it’s too early to hand him a starting status with Daizen Maeda enjoying an exquisite spell in the attacking third. The versatile Japanese attacker should occupy the central role allowing the likes of Liel Abada and Filipe Jota to feature from the flanks.