Celtic predicted XI vs Rangers: One change for title race corker as verdict made on striker after injury scare
Here’s how we think Martin O’Neill will set up his side for Sunday’s Old Firm Derby
Having won five on the bounce, the majority of the Celtic team picks itself for their upcoming clash at home to Rangers, however boss Martin O’Neill still has a few selection headaches to ponder.
While the Hoops haven’t beaten their bitter rivals in the Premiership so far this season, they can perhaps take comfort in the knowledge they knocked Rangers out of both cup competitions, both of which under O’Neill’s stewardship. Anything less than a win in Sunday’s grudge match at Celtic Park would severely dent their title hopes.
League leaders Hearts, who face Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday night, are currently three points ahead of the Hoops, meaning any sort of result in Lanarkshire would give them some breathing space and put even more pressure on Celtic to keep pace. As for Rangers, back-to-back defeats to the Steelmen and the Jambos means the title is out of their hands, as they now sit seven points off the top and four adrift of Celtic, with just three games remaining.
In what will be his first Old Firm Derby in the Celtic Park dugout in over two decades, O’Neill is excited to face Rangers for the last time. The Hoops boss was delighted to announce through the week than in-form man Daizen Maeda will be available after he was seen limping off the park against Hibs last weekend after scoring the opener as Celtic prevailed 2-1. Here’s how we think the veteran boss will set his side up against Rangers, using the 4-3-3 formation:
Viljami Sinisalo
The Finnish stopper has barely put a foot wrong since standing in for the injured Kasper Schmeichel. Was instrumental in March’s Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox when he kept a clean sheet on the way to their penalty shootout triumph.
Alistair Johnston
Had his first start since October against Hibs as he continues to reintegrate into the squad. A player who has been there and done it in seasons gone by, who will be nailed on to start if he’s 100% fit, however a full 90 minutes may be a stretch.
Auston Trusty
The American has played every minute of the last five which is expected to continue against the Light Blues. Fellow defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has been spotted in training recently however given his lack of match fitness Sunday will come too soon for him to be involved.
Liam Scales
One of Celtic’s most consistent performers this season but his mistake last weekend led to the Hibs equaliser. Can afford no more slip-ups at this crucial stage of the campaign, especially not Sunday.
Kieran Tierney
Has started every game since the most recent derby as his minutes continue to increase. While Marcelo Saracchi has proved to be a more than capable back-up, the Hoops fan favourite has cemented his starting place towards the run-in.
Callum McGregor
Should be raring to go after missing the previous derby through injury. The captain has lifted the Scottish Premiership trophy four years on the bounce and will have to be at his best in the remaining three fixtures if he’s to make it five.
Arne Engels
Recent performances have perhaps justified Celtic rejecting the £25m bid from Nottingham Forest on Deadline Day. Against his countryman Nico Raskin on Sunday, it promises to be an exciting midfield battle.
Benjamin Nygren
Celtic’s output machine has uncharacteristically went two games in a row without a goal or assist. The Parkhead faithful will be hoping he’s saving it for Sunday. While never setting the world alight on the pitch, 20 goal contributions (and counting) is an impressive haul for anyone’s debut season in Scottish football.
James Forrest
While both Forrest and Sebastian Tounekti are more effective from the bench, one of them has to start and we think it’ll be the veteran. At 34, his experience in these sort of fixtures has saved Celtic countless times in the past, while Tounekti is more of an impact player for when the game is stretched in the later minutes.
Yang Hyun-jun
Scored Celtic’s goal of the season in the last home Old Firm Derby. You never quite know what you’re going to get with the Korean when he’s on the ball, but his work rate off it could prove key against a shaky Rangers defence in possession.
Daizen Maeda
Speaking of work rate, Celtic’s Duracell Bunny has added goals to his game at just the right time and will be looking to add to that on Sunday, after O’Neill confirmed he’ll be fit and ready. Also don’t be surprised to see super-sub marksman Kelechi Iheanacho at some point, especially if Celtic need a goal.
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