Rodgers to make 1 important change – Strongest 4-3-3 Celtic XI to face Rangers

Predicted Celtic line-up to face Rangers in the Scottish Premiership

Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard will go head to head for the first time as managers when Celtic host Rangers in the Old Firm derby on Sunday.

Celtic have enjoyed some fantastic results against Rangers and the most recent one came last season when the Light Blues were thumped 5-0.

But it will be a very different Rangers XI this time around as Gerrard remains unbeaten in 12 games since taking over at the Ibrox in the summer.

Team News

Jack Hendry and Jozo Simunovic remain sidelined due to ankle injuries along with Nir Bitton, who is suffering from a knee injury.

Marvin Compper and Lewis Morgan are still short of fitness but Odsonne Edouard could return after missing five games through a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Moussa Dembele has sealed a switch to Lyon. Celtic have bolstered their squad with the signings of Filip Benkovic and Youssouf Mulumbu.

Probable Celtic XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Brendan Rodgers

Craig Gordon (GK)

Celtic’s undisputed first-choice in goal, Gordan is expected to start against Rangers on Sunday.

Mikael Lustig (RB)

Lustig needs to be at his best if he is to help Celtic claim all three points against Rangers.

Dedryck Boyata (CB)

Boyata’s return to the starting XI has solidified Celtic’s defence. He has brought a calming presence to the backline and with him in the team, the champions look settled at the back.

Kristoffer Ajer (CB)

Ajer has done well this season and after scoring against Suduva in the last game, he would be raring to go against Gerrard’s men.

Kieran Tierney (LB)

Tierney is an attacking full-back who provides width to the team. He is a fantastic crosser of the ball.

Scott Brown (CDM)

A combative midfielder, Brown will have a major role to play from the base of the midfield. If the veteran skipper manages to get the game’s grip, Rangers could have a long afternoon.

Callum McGregor (RCM)

McGregor’s incisive passing and creativity keep Celtic ticking. He is a definite starter for Sunday’s game.

Olivier Ntcham (LCM)

Ntcham has blown hot and cold in the last few games and will be itching to put in a strong shift in the midfield.

Tom Rogic (RW)

Against Rangers, Rogic could find himself on the left of Celtic’s attack. Due to his creativity and vision, the Australian could be a vital player for the Bhoys on Sunday.

Scott Sinclair (LW)

Sinclair hasn’t been at his best this season but needs to be at his sublime best if Celtic are to beat Rangers. His pace and movement can cause the opposition a lot of trouble.

Read more: Brilliant Griffiths, Poor Christie – The best and the worst rated Celtic stars vs FK Suduva

Leigh Griffiths (ST)

Bursting with confidence after scoring his 100^th Celtic goal, Griffiths would be desperate to get on the scoresheet against his team’s traditional rivals.