Predicted Celtic XI to face Rangers in the Scottish Premiership
Celtic have all but claimed their eighth consecutive Scottish Premiership crown and are well on their way to completing a domestic treble.
The Hoops have won 5 out of their last 7 games in all competitions and Neil Lennon’s side head into the Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Saturday in high spirits after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Aberdeen away from home.
Rangers got the better of Celtic in the derby back in December but the Hoops registered a 2-1 victory over the Gers a couple of months back and they will once again be the outright favourites against their arch-rivals as they look to sign off on a positive note.
Team News
Celtic will be without the services of Vakoun Issouf Bayo (hamstring), Tony Ralston (ankle) and Craig Gordon (knee), while Daniel Arzani (cruciate ligament), Kouassi Eboue (cruciate ligament), Dedryck Boyata (hamstring) and Ryan Christie (head injury) are all ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Manager: Neil Lennon
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted XI
1. Scott Bain (GK)
The Scottish international has been a picture of reliability between the sticks for the Hoops this season and registered yet another clean sheet against Aberdeen last week.
2. Mikael Lustig (RB)
The Swedish international has come under scrutiny for his lacklustre performances this season but he got his name on the scoresheet with a fine diving header last week.
3. Jozo Simunovic (CB)
The Croatian youngster put in a solid shift at the heart of the defence last week and should retain his place in the eleven after a towering header against Aberdeen.
4. Filip Benkovic (CB)
The Leicester loanee sat out for the game against Aberdeen last week but one would expect him to partner Simunovic at the back in the derby game.
5. Kieran Tierney (LB)
He is still trying to find his feet after returning from injury but will be expected to start ahead of Emilio Izaguirre on Sunday.
6. Oliver Ntcham (CM)
The former French youth international should replace Scott Brown, who looked a bit wayward with his passing last week.
7. Callum McGregor (CDM)
The Scotsman bagged a couple of assists in his previous outing and should be one of the first names on the teamsheet for the derby clash.
8. James Forrest (RW)
Perhaps the most influential figure in Celtic’s attack, the diminutive winger will be expected to spark that creativity in the final third for the Hoops once again on Sunday.
9. Tom Rogic (CAM)
The Socceroos star showed off his dancing feet against Aberdeen last week, though Celtic have every reason to expect better end product from him this time around.
10. Scott Sinclair (LW)
Timothy Weah failed to make a big impression last week, so Lennon might just hand the former Man City man a start against Rangers.
To Read More Celtic News, Click Here:- Latest Celtic News
11. Odsonne Edouard (ST)
He has shouldered the burden of spearheading Celtic’s attack brilliantly this season and the Hoops will back heavily on him once again to deliver the goods on Sunday.
