Celtic face theRangers at lunchtime on Sunday in the Glasgow Derby as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to go 19 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership…
The Scottish Champions can claim a fourth successive title with three more victories, starting against Barry Ferguson’s side.
theRangers were extremely fortunate as they progressed in the Europa League on penalties against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. Basque side Athletic Club, Bilbao will be looking to confirm a trophyless season (again) at Ibrox. Celtic were beaten in Govan in the last meeting between the teams and Brendan’s side will certainly be out for revenge and also to take a giant step towards the title.
Celtic Team News
Callum McGregor trained ahead of the game, initially on his own before rejoining the squad as he manages a calf complaint. The manager has confirmed that he will wait until the last minute before addressing whether he will start the skipper in the match.
Paulo Bernardo remains out with an ankle injury. Liam Scales could require surgery on a facial injury and will be out. James Forrest was pictured involved in first team training and he may be an outsider for a place on the bench. Although, it may be too soon for the seasoned winger.
Kasper Schmeichel will start in goals. The Dane was the penalty shootout hero as Celtic beat theRangers to win the Premier Sports Cup back in December and he will be keen to help Celtic take three points as they look to retain the Scottish Premiership title.
The back four will likely be the same with the only question being that of the left back berth. Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers will start in the central pairing with Alistair Johnston at right back and likely Jefferey Schlupp at left back.
Callum McGregor is a doubt for the game but if he is fit enough then he will play. Should the 31-year-old be unfit to start the game, Luke McCowan will likely start in the midfield with Reo Hatate, meaning Arne Engels will drop into the deeper role.
Daizen Maeda is a certainty to start through the middle. The Japanese attacker will play alongside Jota, who returns to the fixture after joining the club in January, with Nicolas Kühn.
Predicted Celtic Team
Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Schlupp, Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Johnston; McGregor, Engels, Hatate; Jota, Maeda, Kühn.
Match Officials
Steven McLean has been handed the whistle for the game. The experienced referee will be supported by Graeme Stewart and Dougie Potter running the line. Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, John Beaton is on VAR duties with Sean Carr supporting. What could possibly go wrong with that gang in charge?
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 12:30 (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
Sky Sports Football and Main Event with coverage from Paradise beginning at 11:30 (Celtic Park Time). Chris Sutton & Co will be discussing the game pre-match with the broadcaster an hour before kick off.
Celtic TV subscribers outside Britain and Ireland will be able to tune in on the club’s streaming service to take in the action from Glasgow’s East End.
Predicted Score
Both Glasgow Derbies this season in the Scottish Premiership have ended in 3-0 victories for the home side and that sequence will continue at Celtic Park later today with Maeda, Kuhn and Engels getting the goals on another Beautiful Sunday for Celtic.
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Penalty against Austen Trusty for shirt pulling and even a red card ???? There will be nay excuse and he needs to pack it in with cheatin B on the VAR !!!