4-2-3-1: Strongest Celtic Line Up To Face Rangers In The Scottish League Cup Semi-final

This is not just an old firm derby. At the best of times, this fixture is one of the most fiercely contested games in world football. There is a bit of a back story to this one however, that is going to make this match more ferocious than ever.

Little over a month ago, in their first league meeting since Rangers went into liquidation and had to start again in the 4^th tier of Scottish football, Celtic thrashed Rangers 5-1.

For Celtic, it was a match that highlighted their superiority. Here is the suspected line-up as they look to get a similar result.

Dorus de Vries

The experienced Dutchman is likely to come straight back into the Celtic line-up after recovering from injury. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers love for the keeper is no secret having had this to say when he signed him: “I’ve been really disappointed twice in my career when I’ve lost players, one was Luis Suárez at Liverpool and the first one was Dorus de Vries at Swansea.”

Mikael Lustig

The Swedish International right back, who is in his 6^th season for Celtic, returned from injury in Celtics 2-0 midweek defeat in the Champions League and is likely to retain his place in the line-up.

Kolo Toure

The rock that the Celtic defence is built on. He will need to be at his best as Rangers look to get revenge on last months fixture.

Erik Sviatchenko

Celtic’s summer signing has made an impressive start to his Celtic career. Signed from FC Midtjylland, he faced an easy ride in his first old firm test and will need to show character to come through this one.

Kieran Tierney

Celtics young left back is attracting scouts all over Europe. He has shown that he is completely fearless and this season will be looking to replicate the form that won him the Young player of the year award last season.

Scott Brown

Famously put Joey Barton in his place in the recent fixture. He is a refreshing no-nonsense, old school footballer who leads Celtic excellently. He will set the example for the rest of the team when things heat up.

Nir Bitton

Another player that recently returned to Celtics line-up for the 2-0 midweek defeat. Bitton will provide added strength to win the midfield battle.

Scott Sinclair

After getting relegated for Aston Villa last season, Celtic pounced. And so far he has proven to be an excellent piece of business, scoring 7 league goals in 8 appearances. He is bound to cause Rangers trouble with his pace and trickery.

Tom Rogic

The Australian attacking midfielder has to bide his time for first team football after signing for Celtic in 2013. But his form last season reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal, Fiorentina and Valencia. And he has continued this season in the same vein.

James Forrest

The Right-winger is a product of the Celtic academy first making his debut in 2010. Since then he has been a bit of a bit-part player for Celtic, but they can rely on him when called upon.

Moussa Dembele

Was the star man in the old firm match last month, scoring an impressive hat-trick. And has been a revelation since joining Celtic in the summer. Pace and tricks galore, the Rangers rearguard will have to be at their best to stop the flying Frenchman.