The extremely anticipated Outdated Agency derby takes place at Parkhead as reigning champions Celtic sq. off in opposition to arch-rivals Rangers.
With simply 5 factors between them on the prime of the Scottish Premiership desk, each side are keen to assert an important victory.
Match Preview
Celtic had a rocky begin earlier this month however managed to revive their title problem with consecutive wins in opposition to Livingston and Dundee, scoring a complete of 5 objectives in each matches.
Supervisor Brendan Rodgers praised his staff’s efficiency in opposition to Dundee, highlighting their dominant show with 38 makes an attempt on aim and 74% possession.
Then again, Rangers, below supervisor Philippe Clement, are unbeaten in 16 video games since his arrival.
Their latest string of victories features a Scottish League Cup triumph and back-to-back 2-0 wins within the Premiership in opposition to St Johnstone and Motherwell.
Whereas Rangers have been in very good type, their away file is especially spectacular, having received seven and drawn one among their final eight league away video games, conceding simply two objectives within the course of.
Either side perceive the importance of this fixture, as a win for Celtic would lengthen their lead on the prime, whereas stopping Rangers from catching up even with their video games in hand.
Of their earlier encounter at Ibrox, Celtic secured a slender 1-0 victory due to Kyogo Furuhashi’s first-half strike. Nevertheless, Rangers have solely managed one win of their final 11 Outdated Agency derbies.
Staff Information
Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers is a doubt because of a hamstring situation, whereas Liel Abada, Reo Hatate, James McCarthy, and Tomoki Iwata usually are not anticipated to return from accidents till the New Yr.
Rangers’ Connor Goldson faces a late health take a look at for a groin downside, whereas a number of gamers together with Steven Davis, Kemar Roofe, and Borna Barisic are sidelined because of accidents.
Predicted Lineups
Celtic: (4-3-3)
Hart;
A. Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor;
O’Riley, McGregor, Bernardo;
Maeda, Furuhashi, Palma
Rangers: (4-3-3)
Butland;
Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Yilmaz;
Dowell, Sterling, Cantwell;
McCausland, Dessers, Sima
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Rangers
Count on an intense and carefully contested match, as Celtic narrowly edges previous Rangers in what may very well be one other thrilling Outdated Agency derby.
Each groups are conscious of the importance of avoiding defeat, however Celtic’s latest observe file in these encounters might give them the slight edge in entrance of their passionate residence crowd at Parkhead.
