Celtic have been in scintillating form this season, the Scottish Champions are five from five and next up is Rangers. Giovanni Van Bronkhorst’s team arrive at Paradise this afternoon for the first Glasgow Derby of the season.
Ange Postecoglou’s side ran out 9-0 winners against Dundee United at Tannadice last weekend and then, after nine changes, 4-1 winners in the Cup against Ross County. We’d expect the manager to make a number of changes back to the team that won last Sunday.
In goals, Joe Hart was rested but the Englishman will start between the sticks.
At the back, we’d imagine that the defence will comprise of Josip Juranovic, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Greg Taylor.
The midfield will likely be made up Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley. The manager will have been impressed with Aaron Mooy and David Turnbull in the Highlands but the trio that started at Tannadice will be hard to displace.
In attack, we’d expect the same three that put Dundee United to the sword to start. Kyogo, Liel Abada and Jota.
This team still leaves Celtic with strength on the bench, including Sead Haksabanovic, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda.
Expected XI: Hart; Taylor, Starfelt, CCV, Juranovic; McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley; Jota, Kyogo, Abada.
I’d go with that team bar one exception, Maeda to start instead of Abada.
Maeda’s a complete player, he has no weak points to his game, whereas Abada is still learning his trade and is lacking in certain areas.
Whatever team Ange sends out will be good enough for me though