With the Premiership title all but sealed, Celtic will host Rangers on Sunday lunchtime in the season’s fourth Old Firm derby. The Hoops have a sixteen-point cushion over their bitter rivals at the top of the league standings. Yet, they would seek revenge at Parkhead, particularly after a 3-0 humiliation on the road in January.
Rangers, on the other hand, must be fatigued after a strenuous Thursday night encounter against Fenerbahce. Despite losing 2-0 at Ibrox, a 3-1 win in Istanbul worked in their favour. The Light Blues edged past the Turkish heavyweights in the tie-breaker to progress to the Europa League quarterfinals, but the prestige battle with the Bhoys must not be understated as they could still stop them from scripting a 100-point season.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel grabbed a clean sheet last weekend in their Scottish Cup quarter-final victory against Hibernian. It was the first time in five games the Celts did not concede, but they remain firm favourites to claim a commanding win having clinched a routine 3-0 triumph in their previous meeting at Celtic Park early into the campaign.
The Hoops have a stable backline with able alternatives in all positions. Alistair Johnston must keep his place on the right ahead of Anthony Ralston. Also, Jeffrey Schlupp should continue as the left fullback after replacing Greg Taylor recently. Brendan Rodgers prefers Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty as the central defensive pairing, and the USMNT duo are expected to feature again ahead of Liam Scales and the forgotten Maik Nawrocki.
Midfield
Callum McGregor has been the Bhoys’ driving force with his experience and expertise as a deep-lying playmaker. The Scotsman’s technicality, vision and creative spark should see them dominate space and possession from the base of a three-man midfield. His presence as the ‘number six’ would enable Reo Hatate and Arne Engels to operate in box-to-box roles. Paulo Bernardo is still sidelined with an injury, but they have Luke McCowan in their ranks who has been effective as a ‘super sub’ since plying his trade from Dundee last summer.
Attack
While James Forrest continues to be a long-term absentee with a foot injury, Celtic have ample options who offer depth, quality as well as versatility across the frontline. Daizen Maeda, exquisite as a ‘number 9’, must spearhead the attack as he has done so far since Kyogo Furuhashi’s winter departure. Nicolas Kuhn and Jota are likely to feature from the flanks, however, Hyun-Jun Yang and Adam Idah could also be involved from the bench as second-half substitutes.
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