Brendan Rodgers to make 3 changes – Strongest 3-4-1-2 Celtic lineup to face Rangers

Brendan Rodgers to make 3 changes – Strongest 3-4-1-2 Celtic lineup to face Rangers

Celtic will face off against bitter rivals Rangers at the Ibrox Stadium in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday. 

The Hoops sit atop the Scottish top tier with 64 points from 28 fixtures and come into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Greenock Morton in the Scottish Cup. With Rangers six points behind them in the league table, manager Brendan Rodgers will be intent on widening the gap by claiming all three points at the Ibrox on Sunday. 

Team News

Mikael Lustig will miss out for the reigning champions due to suspension following his sending off in the win over Aberdeen a couple of weeks back. Striker Leigh Griffiths was back in training last week and could be set to return to action for the Hoops. January signing Marvin Compper made his first appearance for the club in the cup game after an injury layoff.  

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon is set to miss out again though, along with midfielder Stuart Armstrong and defender Dedryck Boyata.  

Here’s how the Hoops could line up against the Gers on Sunday; 

Predicted Celtic XI

Manager: Brendan Rodgers

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Dorus de Vries (GK)

With Gordon still sidelined with an injury, Dorus de Vries is expected to continue between the sticks for the champions.  

Jozo Simunovic (CB)

The Bosnian international will is a sure shot to start in the three-man backline for the visiting side against the Light Blues.  

Jack Hendry (CB)

The January signing was not involved in the cup tie over the weekend but is likely to get the nod ahead of fellow winter arrival Marvin Compper this Sunday.  

Kristoffer Ajer (CB)

The young defender has well and truly established himself as one of Rodgers’ key players in recent months. Will complete the defensive trio. 

James Forrest (RWB)

The Scottish winger has been excelling in the wing-back role for the Bhoys, striking a good balance between his attacking and defensive responsibilities. Definite starter on the right side. 

Scott Brown (CM)

The club captain is an extremely influential presence on the pitch for the Hoops and relishes the derbies. Will be raring to go and make a telling contribution against the Gers. 

Olivier Ntcham (CM)

The Frenchman did not have the best of games this past weekend and will be hoping to improve when his side visit the Ibrox.  

Kieran Tierney (LWB)

The left wing-back slot for the champions will be taken up by the exciting Kieran Tierney. Will be a danger to the Gers with his overlapping runs down the left. 

Callum McGregor (CAM)

The Scotland international did not start in the cup win last time out but is very much certain to return to the playing XI against Rangers, in place of Tom Rogic. 

Odsonne Edouard (ST)

The on-loan striker from Paris Saint-Germain made a great impact from the bench this past weekend and has done enough to earn a starting berth for Sunday’s derby. 

Moussa Dembele (ST)

Partnering Edouard at the top, for the Hoops, will be Moussa Dembele. The Frenchman has scored thrice in his last two appearances in all competitions and will be keen on adding more against Rangers.