Predicted Celtic Line-up To Face Rangers In The Scottish Premiership
Celtic will go head to head against bitter rivals Rangers FC in the Old Firm Derby, at the Celtic Park on Saturday. Goals from Tom Rogic and Leigh Griffiths saw Celtic win the reverse fixture at Ibrox Stadium 2-0 back in September, and manager Brendan Rodgers will be confident of extending his record against Rangers to 7 wins from 8 matches in all competitions.
The Bhoys are sitting comfortably at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, 11 points ahead of the Gers who occupy the third position and come into the game high on confidence, following their 2-0 win over Dundee FC during the midweek.
Following their loss to Hearts, which ended their 69-game unbeaten run, Rodgers’ side have won all their 3 fixtures, scoring 7 and conceding none in the process.
Team News
Winger Jonny Hayes is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after it was confirmed that he had suffered a broken leg in the clash against Dundee. He joins fellow wide man Patrick Roberts on the treatment tables, while young defender Anthony Ralston is also a doubt.
Tom Rogic is ruled out until the new year, while Scott Sinclair is expected to be fit and available after missing out on the Boxing Day clash against Dundee. Striker Moussa Dembele is likely to start, despite rumours doing the rounds that the Hoops have accepted an offer from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion for his sale in January.
Here’s how the reigning Scottish champions could line up against their arch-rivals:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Craig Gordon (GK)
An ever-present between the sticks for the champions, veteran stopper Craig Gordon will look for his 4th consecutive clean sheet on Saturday.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
The Swedish right-back has been in good form coming into the game and will look to carry on in the same way against the Light Blues.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
A permanent fixture in the Bhoys’ backline since his return from injury, the former Manchester City man will start at the Parkhead on Saturday.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB)
The young defender is growing in confidence with each passing game and his recent performances should compel Rodgers to hand him a start in the big game.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
The 20-year old left-back is one of the best players for the Hoops and is, without a doubt, one of the first names on the manager’s team sheet.
Scott Brown (CM)
The club captain relishes these clashes and thrives in the atmosphere. Expect him to put in a strong display against the Gers.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
The 21-year-old former Manchester City man has been a revelation since moving in the summer and has established himself as a key member of the team. A definite starter.
James Forrest (RW)
The Scottish wide man has been in terrific form over the past month or so and will want to make it count in the derby game.
Callum McGregor (CAM)
The 24-year old Scottish international is likely to start in the No.10 role for the Hoops on Saturday against Graeme Murty’s side.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
Having missed the midweek win over Dundee, the 28-year-old Englishman should be set for a return to the starting XI.
Moussa Dembele (ST)
A lot of rumours surrounding his exit have been making noises of late, but the manager quashed all those reports and is likely to hand the Frenchman a start in the derby.
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