Celtic have had a wobbly start to their season so far, but they would be looking to kickstart their campaign when they host their Old Firm rivals Rangers at Parkhead. Both of the teams are coming on the back of a successful European journey so both would be in the positive mood for this encounter. There is a certain buzz and feel good factor around Rangers currently, but that little bubble could be burst if Celtic can go on to land another victory against their derby rivals.
Expect goals from this encounter as the derby has been relatively high scoring affair off late. The Hoops are going to go in as favourites though there is not the same kind of invincibility aura around them anymore. The game will have an extra spice as Gerrard will be going up against his former Liverpool manager.
Having played their second leg encounter at home, it would be a significant advantage for the Bhoys as Rangers would be playing after coming back from Russia.
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Moussa Dembele’s last moment exit to Lyon would have caught Rodgers napping as he was adamant about not selling him. Jozo Šimunović and Jack Hendry are both struggling with injuries and are going to find it hard to get fit in time for this all-important encounter. Dedryck Boyata had made himself unavailable a few weeks earlier, but now with the transfer saga behind him, we expect him to be a regular part of the Hoops squad. Odsonne Édouard is close to regaining his fitness and might play some role in this encounter.
4-2-3-1 Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs Rangers
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
The experienced Craig Gordon will start in goal, and he would be protected by the backline of Kieran Tierney, Kristoffer Ajer, Dedryck Boyata and Mikael Lustig. The defence has been one of the talking points for Rodgers this season as they have struggled to keep a clean sheet. However, with the presence of Dedryck Boyata in defence, things could change.
Kieran Tierney and Mikael Lustig will play in a dynamic role as they will bomb forward whenever they would be presented with an opportunity.
Midfield
Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham would start just in front of the defence with Ntcham having more freedom of the two. Out on the right flank, James Forrest would start and would be supported by the attacking pair of Callum McGregor in the No.10 and Scott Sinclair in the left wing role. The three will be expected to start on the front foot, and they would test the Rangers defence who have been getting rave reviews of late.
Attack
Moussa Dembélé left the club in the last few hours of the transfer window, and that would be a massive blow for Rodgers. In his absence, Leigh Griffiths should lead the line.
