High-flying Celtic are in the driver’s seat ahead of locking horns with Rangers on Sunday afternoon. The Gers must make the home advantage count after suffering a dreadful 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park a couple of months ago, but a result on the road would potentially ensure the Hoops’ Premiership crown unless they slip up in the remaining fixtures.
Celtic are still maintaining a three-point lead at the summit of the league standings. They have made a sensational recovery since their 1-0 defeat at Ibrox early into the season and the momentum should continue post-international break en route to reclaiming the silverware. On the other hand, Rangers must replicate their European excellence this weekend to be back in the title race.
Rangers vs Celtic Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Rangers
The Light Blues have the quality to add variation and tweak the strategy during a game, but the lack of fearlessness and aggression cost them big time in many close contests. Giovanni van Bronckhorst was punished for a defensive approach during the previous Old Firm meeting and the gaffer, therefore, should demand more bravery time around. A few individual errors led to setbacks in previous games and the players must be at their best level for this electrifying encounter.
Celtic
The Hoops, on the other hand, are way more flexible and free-flowing under Ange Postecoglou. Their relentless runs, quick transitions and counter-pressing would be difficult to handle, also the injury absence of Alfredo Morelos would be a relieving factor for the Celtic defence. They restricted Rangers’ wing-play back in February and the same should be repeated on Sunday lunchtime to frustrate the home side.
Team News
Rangers
Morelos’ absence is a major blow for the Gers and the manager might rely on Kemar Roofe for his poaching traits in the attacking third. Ianis Hagi underwent a knee surgery that rules him out for the season.
Rangers Predicted XI
Allan McGregor; James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey; John Lundstram, Ryan Jack; Joe Aribo, Aaron Ramsey, Ryan Kent; Kemar Roofe.
Celtic
Although back in training, Postecoglou must not rush Kyogo Furuhashi into action. He did so last time which aggravated the Japanese’s injury midway through the campaign. Yet the Parkhead boss should select him for the matchday squad to deploy him at a later stage.
Celtic Predicted XI
Joe Hart; Josip Juranovic, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, Greg Taylor; Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic, Reo Hatate; Liel Abada, Filipe Jota, Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Key Men
Rangers
The hosts must take control of the midfield game with John Lundstram, Ryan Jack and Aaron Ramsey gradually gaining the rhythm. Ryan Kent must showcase his mastery from the left and combine with Roofe in search of goals.
Celtic
It should not be much trouble for the Bhoys if Furuhashi fails to make it to the starting XI. Giakoumakis is in blistering form and his presence high up the pitch might prove troublesome for the Glasgow Rangers. Liel Abada and Filipe Jota would feed him from the wide banking on their pace, cut insides and crossing expertise.
Odds
The bookies have put Rangers at 7/5 to emerge as the winners. The draw has been listed as 12/5, whereas the Bhoys have been backed at 2/1 to script a triumph.
Prediction
It’s tough to predict the outcome of an Old Firm derby but we expect a 1-1 draw after an engaging 90 minutes of football.
Rangers Vs Celtic: Streaming Links
| Country | Broadcaster |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports |
| USA | CBS Sports Network |
