Celtic face Rangers on Saturday afternoon in the latest installment of the Glasgow Derby. Ange Postecoglou’s side go into the game nine points clear at the top of the Cinch Premiership. The Scottish Champions know that a win in the fixture will go an enormous way to putting a second successive league title beyond Michael Beale’s team.
Team News
Ange has been dealt a blow in his preparations for the game with the news that Reo Hatate has been ruled out. The manager also confirmed that right wingers James Forrest and Liel Abada are unavailable through injury. Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy has recovered and will be available for selection.
In goals, Joe Hart will start. The Englishman will start with a back four in front of him comprising of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Greg Taylor. The left-back has returned after being forced off against Ross County with a dead leg.
In midfield, Ange will need to decide whether he will continue with Tomoki Iwata in the middle of the park or to include the returning Mooy. Matt O’Riley will be hoping that he can start the fixture. Captain Callum McGregor makes his 30th appearance in the fixture and will start. Iwata impressed in Dingwall and you’d expect him to get the nod.
In attack, the front three picks itself – Kyogo through the middle, Jota on the right and Maeda on the left.
Predicted XI: Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; McGregor, Iwata, Mooy; Jota, Kyogo, Maeda.
Match Officials
Kevin Clancy has been named as the referee for the clash. Clancy will be assisted by David McGeachie and Ross Macleod. John Beaton is on fourth official duty. Meanwhile, Nick Walsh is on VAR at Clydesdale House along with Daniel McFarlane acting as AVAR. Walsh was the referee when the sides met in the League Cup Final, which Celtic won 2-1 back in February. On that day Clancy was the fourth official.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 12:30pm (Celtic Park time).
Where to Watch
It is a full house at Paradise with no away fans in attendance. The game will be shown on Sky Sports Football and Main Event, beginning at 11:30am. The game will also be shown on Celtic TV for subscribers outside of Britain and Ireland.
