Celtic will host Rangers in the latest edition of the Old Firm Derby on Saturday. At the top of the table, these two clubs are now separated by five points. The Gers have two games in hand over the Hoops due to their midweek postponement.
Preview (Celtic vs. Rangers)
After suffering two heartbreaking losses to Kilmarnock and Dundee earlier in the month, Celtic has recently rekindled their Premiership title challenge with consecutive 5-0 victories over Livingston and Dundee. After defeating Livingston 2-0 at home, the Hoops easily defeated Dundee 3-0 on Boxing Day. Mikey Johnston, a substitute, scored twice in the second half to help the visitors maintain their top spot. Although Brendan Rodgers lauded the mindset, attitude, and energy of his Celtic team. They had a 74% possession rate and 38 efforts on goal against Dundee. It may be difficult to replicate that dominant performance against a Rangers team that is playing well.
Celtic is unbeaten in their last five top-flight matches at Parkhead against Rangers. They have won the last two by an aggregate score of 7-2. However, they have lost their last two home league games. If Celtic wins on Saturday, they will not only take home the bragging rights in Glasgow and go eight points clear atop the standings, but they will also prevent Rangers from moving up to the top if they win their last two games.
Rangers haven’t lost since manager Philippe Clement replaced Michael Beale in November. The Belgian has had a 16-game winning streak at Ibrox. Celtic, on the other hand, have only recently started to win again. After defeating Aberdeen 2-0 in the Scottish League Cup, the Gers went on to win their next two Premiership games. The team has now won seven straight games across all competitions. Their only loss came at Kilmarnock on the first weekend of the season.
Team News
Aaron Rodgers hopes that American defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who was substituted out of the Celtics’ victory over Dundee due to “tightness” in his hamstring, will be well enough to play in the team’s next games. Due to illness, Odin Thiago Holm is doubtful. Meanwhile, Liel Abada and Reo Hatate are getting closer to returning after participating in training this week. However, neither player is anticipated to return until the New Year, along with James McCarthy (hamstring) and Tomoki Iwata (unspecified). Johnston, who scored twice as a substitute in midweek, will be vying for a starting spot on either wing, dethroning Furuhashi, who has four goals, on either flank.
Regarding the Rangers, Connor Goldson, who suffered a groin injury on Christmas Eve against Motherwell, will be evaluated before kickoff. However, Jose Cifuentes, Tom Lawrence (both muscle), Danilo (knee), Nicolas Raskin (ankle), Steven Davis (ACL), Kevin Roofe, John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, and Borna Barisic (all unidentified) are still in a crowded treatment room. In light of Goldson’s probable absence, James Tavernier and Ridvan Yilmaz—who has three goals in his last three league encounters with Celtic—will likely start at full defense alongside John Souttar at center back.
Alongside Todd Cantwell and Kielan Dowell, Dujon Sterling may be able to hold down his spot in midfield. In the attacking department, Ross McCausland, Cyriel Dessers, and Abdulallah Sima are the most likely trio to start, though Sam Lammers, Scott Wright, and Rabbi Matondo will all be looking to make an impression on the starting lineup.
Celtic 2-1 Rangers
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