Celtic’s Scottish supremacy might finally be threatened this season following the resurgence of Rangers under Steven Gerrard who has incredibly guided the galvanized Gers to make it to the group stages of the Europa League and is still unbeaten after 12 games in charge across all competitions.
The Hoops, on the other hand, failed to make it to the Champions League main draw for the first time under Brendan Rodgers but seem to have recovered from a rough patch with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over FK Suduva, the Lithuanian outfit to ensure a place in the Europa League group fixtures similar to their ‘Old Firm’ rivals. They will now host the Teddy Bears at Celtic Park today with the fixture widely billed as a ‘Rodgers vs Gerrard’ showdown.
Team News
They are set to be without defensive ace Jack Hendry due to an ankle injury. The injury-jinxed spell of Marvin Compper might finally come to an end as the veteran German is back in training recovering from a groin strain so is Odsonne Edouard, the young forward, who is closing in on regaining full fitness following a hamstring injury. Nir Bitton and Lewis Morgan continue to be sidelined with knee injuries whereas Jozo Simunovic remains a major doubt through an ankle injury. Tom Rogic is also lacking fitness but is likely to be named in the matchday squad for the derby clash.
PREDICTED CELTIC LINEUP VS RANGERS (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Veteran Craig Gordon will continue as the Hoops ‘number 1’ as he is still a trusted resource between the sticks in spite of being in his mid-thirties. Mikael Lustig should feature in his usual right fullback role whereas Kieran Tierney, the young dynamic left-back, will operate on the opposite flank.
Kristoffer Ajer grabbed a goal against Suduva on Thursday night and is tipped to start the game in central defence alongside Dedryck Boyata, the controversial Belgian, who scored the solitary goal versus Hamilton Academical last week.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown will be his combative self with his tackling and physicality in the middle of the park. He will be partnered by Oliver Ntcham who will operate in a box-to-box role.
Versatile Callum McGregor has mostly been deployed in wide roles but should be tried out more centrally ‘in the hole’ for his amazing scoring record against Rangers. The Scotsman was on the scoresheet in both of their 4-0 and 5-0 victories over the Light Blues back in April and also found the back of the net against Suduva in their comprehensive 3-0 triumph.
Youngster Michael Johnston has been quite impressive in recent fixtures but should be replaced by James Forrest down the right flank due to his enormous experience as well as excellence in recent derby outings. Scott Sinclair has not been a regular starter since the midway of the previous season but must retain his place in the starting XI following a blistering display against the Marijampolė-based outfit.
Attack
