Predicted Celtic Line-up To Face Rangers In The Scottish Premiership
Celtic will face off against bitter rivals Rangers in the 7th round of games in the Scottish Premiership, at the Ibrox Stadium, on Saturday.
The Hoops are on a strong run of form in the domestic competitions, and sit atop of the league table with 16 points from 6 games, having dropped only 2 points so far. With the Gers 5 points behind Brendan Rodgers’ side, in 3rd place, Celtic will want to widen the gap further with a win over Pedro Caixinha’s team on Saturday.
The Bhoys come into the game on the back of a 4-0 win over Ross County in the Premiership last weekend, before dismantling Dundee FC by the same scoreline in the Betfred Cup quarterfinals during the midweek.
Team News
Jozo Simunovic, who missed the midweek cup clash due to a swollen knee, is expected to be fit and ready for selection, while striker Moussa Dembele is also set to return. Erik Sviatchenko and Eboue Kouassi are the only absentees for the Hoops.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Craig Gordon (GK)
The veteran stopper is the undisputed starter for the Bhoys between the sticks and that is unlikely to change on Saturday.
Anthony Ralston (RB)
The 18-year old has impressed each and every one, every time he has been called upon. Having sat on the bench for the midweek clash, he might return to the starting line-up.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
The Croatian centre-half is set to make a comeback after being sidelined due to a knee problem on Wednesday night.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
The former Manchester City man returned from his long injury layoff on Wednesday and impressed in his 67 minutes on the pitch. Expect Rodgers to give him another 60-minute run out.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
The 20-year old is a permanent fixture in the Celtic line-up at left-back and that may not be altered for the Old Firm clash.
Scott Brown (CM)
The captain is the most influential player on the pitch for the Hoops with his leadership and ability to lead from the front. A definite starter in the middle of the park.
Stuart Armstrong (CM)
The 25-year old was overlooked in favour of Olivier Ntcham for the midweek clash, but could very well be in line for a return to the playing XI.
James Forrest (RW)
The Scotsman grabbed a brace on Wednesday against Dundee and has already netted 7 times this season. Should start on the righ flank.
Callum McGregor (CAM)
Surprisingly continues to be overlooked from the starting XI, despite impressing each time he’s taken the pitch. Scored against Dundee coming on as a sub and should be handed a start on Saturday.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
The Englishman hasn’t been able to find his best form yet in the current campaign. But the goal against Dundee on Wednesday could act as the perfect springboard for him to put on a starring display against the Gers.
Moussa Dembele (ST)
Has made only one appearance this season, in which he scored. The manager pretty much confirmed that the Frenchman will start in place of Leigh Griffiths on Saturday.