Celtic have not been the same dominant force this term as their previous campaign and although the Hoops are favorites to win a ‘domestic treble’ similar to the last season, Rangers, their age-old rivals have closed the gap banking on a winning streak and are likely to reignite the thrills and spills of the ‘Old Firm’ derby that has thoroughly been dominated by Brendan Rodgers men in recent time.
The Bhoys are currently 6 points clear on top with a game in hand and despite the Gers resurgence, are still favourites to win the game at Ibrox considering the squad they got and quality of football they have produced under the former Liverpool gaffer.
Their previous league meeting at Celtic Park ended in a barren scoreless draw but the promises shown by the Light Blues earned massive applauds and acknowledgements from the visiting crowd. These two Glasgow giants used to be known for their fearsome enmity, and Rangers, under Graeme Murty, are determined to make up for the lost time and redefine the rivalry on Sunday afternoon.
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Rodgers is likely to field his side in a flexible 4-2-3-1 setup where the wide midfielders will keep on operate in advanced areas as well as offer his presence in a slightly deeper role to form a 4-4-1-1 pattern at times.
Goalkeeper
Celtic have a few significant injury absentees and custodian Craig Gordon will be a huge loss considering the reliability he brings in between the sticks. He is out for months with MCL injury and 37-year-old Dorus de Vries is set to continue as his deputy at Ibrox.
Defence
Celtic have a quandary for the right-back slot as Mikael Lustig is suspended following his red card against Aberdeen in their previous Premiership encounter. Rodgers handed veteran German defender Marvin Compper his debut in their Scottish Cup quarter-final tie against Greenock Morton and the winter signing from RB Leipzig is likely to start his first league game for his new club on Sunday afternoon. Jozo Simunovic and teenager Kristoffer Ajer are likely to continue as the central defensive partners in absence of Dedryck Boyata whereas star fullback Kieran Tierney will be operating down the left-hand flank.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham are likely to be retained as central midfield partners. Brown will cover the defensive line and Ntcham will be carrying the ball forward from a deeper midfield role. James Forrest will feature in the right midfield slot whereas Scott Sinclair, though has not been his best in recent weeks, is likely to be fielded on the opposite flank. Tom Rogic will be fielded as an attacking midfielder who will bridge up the midfield with lone forward Moussa Dembele upfront.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths is out injured and Moussa Dembele is having a run of games despite not being his best all season. The Frenchman, however, netted a brace against Morton and will be determined to continue the same against the Light Blues. Odsonne Edouard will continue as his back up and might be introduced later on based on the circumstances.
