Celtic vs Rangers Tactical Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Key Men And Odds

By
Pratyay Maitra
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Although Rangers have already conquered the coveted Premiership crown, Celtic have decided not to give their bitter rivals a guard of honour on Sunday lunchtime. This has sparked controversy for obvious reasons and the Gers, therefore, would be motivated to humiliate the hosts like they have done so far this season in other meetings.

Rangers, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing Europa League Round of 16 exit following a home defeat against Slavia Praha. This must have been an occasion to cherish for the Hoops who underwent a dreadful campaign across competitions. Having said that, they have an opportunity to shatter the Bears’ unbeaten league run and make this apparent dead rubber derby a relevant one.

Talking Tactics

Celtic

Following Neil Lennon’s resignation, John Kennedy has been promoted as the caretaker manager who made significant strides through coaching ranks since Ronny Deila’s regime. He has this massive test tomorrow at Parkhead and the outcome of the encounter might determine his future beyond this campaign. The gaffer started with a win against Aberdeen but settled for a stalemate versus Dundee United which ensured Rangers’ league triumph earlier this month. He has focused more on the defensive organization but, at the same time, should be a little braver in terms of his attacking tactics and quicker transitions.

Rangers

Rangers, on the other hand, have conceded only 9 league goals in 32 outings. Not only have they dominated possession in the middle of the park, but also utilized the width of the pitch to widen the space in the deep defensive lines. Their pressing has been systematic and the co-ordination all over the field enabled them to grind out results in close contests all throughout the season.

Team News

Celtic

Celtic would be without Christopher Jullien who is still recovering from a knee injury. Greg Taylor was forced to leave the pitch early in their defeat against Ross County but is expected to return for the Old Firm derby.

Celtic Predicted XI

Scott Bain; Jonjoe Kenny, Stephen Welsh, Kristoffer Ajer, Greg Taylor; Scott Brown, James Forrest, Callum McGregor, David Turnbull; Mohamed Elyounoussi, Odsonne Edouard.

Rangers and Celtic engaged in scuffle
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Stuart Wallace/BPI/Shutterstock 11675282gi Players scuffle from both sides Rangers v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, UK – 02 Jan 2021 Rangers v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, UK – 02 Jan 2021 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xStuartxWallace/BPI/Shutterstockx 11675282gi

Rangers

Skipper James Tavernier might not make it against the Bhoys whereas Nathan Patterson, the deputy right fullback, remains a doubt after suffering a calf injury against Slavia Praha. Filip Helander [knock] remained an unused sub but might reclaim his central defensive status on Sunday afternoon. Ryan Jack, back in training, should find a place in the matchday squad.

Rangers Predicted XI

Allan McGregor; Leon Balogun, Connor Goldson, Filip Helander, Borna Barisic; Steven Davis, Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo; Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos.

Key Men

Celtic

The Hoops will highly rely on Odsonne Edouard to find the net who has been in an astounding form of late. David Turnbull has been their shining light in a dire season, also the antics of Scott Brown might lead to fists and fights as we have seen over the years.

Rangers

The pace, power and directness of Ryan Kent would trouble the Hoops’ inexperienced backline. Alfredo Morelos must not lose his head under provocation and the relentless runs of Joe Aribo would be crucial in terms of creating goal-scoring opportunities in and around the Celtic box.

Odds

The bookies have put both Celtic and Rangers at 13/8 to emerge as the winners. The draw has been listed as 23/10 for this high-voltage outing.

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