It’s time for the second Old Firm Derby of this season. The two most successful sides in Scottish football will once again collide against each other and this time in a Cup competition which makes it even more exciting. The semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup will see Celtic and Rangers travel to Hampden Park on Sunday. ‘The Old-Firm Derby’, the biggest footballing occasion in Scotland is one of the biggest rivalries in world football. The two Glasgow clubs are married in a century-old rivalry and there is only sheer hatred between the two fanbases.
Celtic will be favourites for the game given their form this season. The two already met each other once in Premiership this campaign where Celtic came out 5-1 winners. The Hoops absolutely thrashed their arch-rivals that time out and will be looking for a similar outcome. Rangers are yet to find their best form this season but Warburton will be in for a sweet revenge on the Bhoys.
Celtic disappointed in the midweek by losing 0-2 to German contingent Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League and will be keen to bounce back. Here is the predicted lineup of Celtic against Rangers-
Defence
Craig Gordon should keep his place under the bar ahead of Dorus de Vries. Kolo Toure made two costly mistakes against Gladbach on Wednesday and both led to goals for the visitors. Therefore, we expect the Ivorian to be dropped to the bench against Rangers. Jozo Simunovic is likely to make his way back to the starting XI alongside Erik Sviatchenko. Mikael Lustig and Kieran Tierney will start in the two full-back positions. Both Celtic full-backs, especially Tierney, are excellent with their attacking forays from down the flanks and will be looking to trouble the Gers.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown will definitely start in the middle of the park. We expect Callum McGregor to partner the experienced Scot in midfield ahead of Nir Bitton who has looked off-colour of late. The duo needs to control the game in midfield against the likes of Halliday, Holt, and Kranjcar. Tom Rogic should get a start as the number ten courtesy to the wealth of creativity he offers.
Attack
James Forrest has done well to revive his career under Rodgers but the speedster has struggled in the last few games and should be dropped to the bench for Patrick Roberts. Scott Sinclair will definitely keep his place on the left flank. Moussa Dembele has started all games for Celtic recently despite Leigh Griffiths coming back from injury but has not been consistent in front of the goal. Therefore, we expect Griffiths to get his place back up front as the number nine.
