Celtic have enjoyed an all-win streak so far in the Premiership. But they would undergo their first tricky test on Saturday afternoon against bitter rivals Rangers in the season’s first Old Firm derby.
Despite being the home side, this Parkhead clash would not be a stroll in the park for the Hoops. They registered emphatic wins versus Kilmarnock and Dundee United in the past two away outings. However, the rejuvenated Gers hold all the traits to clinch a victory, given their blistering form both at home as well as in Europe.
The Light Blues have qualified for the group stages of the Champions League by defeating PSV. They could also have had a perfect start in the league, but an array of controversial decisions from referee Willie Collum saw the nine-man Rangers conceding an injury-time equalizer against Hibernian. Celtic have a two-point cushion at the top of the standings and gaffer Ange Postecoglou must aim to stretch the gap ahead of hosting Real Madrid next midweek in an epic Champions League encounter.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers
Defence
Joe Hart was rested on Wednesday night in their League Cup tie against Ross County. Benjamin Siegrist enjoyed his minutes between the sticks, but the veteran Englishman is simply irreplaceable since reviving his form after a few difficult years back in the homeland.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have been headstrong in the heart of the backline, and the manager should rely on his preferred central defensive pair ahead of Moritz Jenz and Stephen Welsh. Right fullback Anthony Ralston should make way for Josip Juranvoic, and so should Alexandro Bernabei who has been the understudy to Greg Taylor down the left since completing a summer move from Lanús.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor must pull the strings from his usual deep-lying playmaker role. Reo Hatate was electric back in February when these two Glasgow giants locked horns at Celtic Park, and the Japanese ace is ready to dominate the midfield game once again, having recovered from a minor knock. Matt O’Riley has also been an exciting addition as the former MK Dons star is likely to get the nod over David Turnbull or Aaron Mooy in the middle of the park.
Attack
Although Giorgos Giakoumakis scored last night against the Staggies, the flair and finishing of Kyogo Furuhashi can’t be matched high up the pitch. Filipe Jota is expected to cause menace from the right, but the Aussie boss might hand Daizen Maeda a start due to his high work ethic and flexibility. Liel Abada should be introduced at some stage in the second half following his hat-trick versus the Tangerines.
