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Celtic v Rangers: Old Firm Derby Preview

By Morgan Sheppard

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 30: Kieran Tierney of Celtic vies with Daniel Candeias of Rangersl during the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Ranger at Celtic Park on December 30, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 30: Kieran Tierney of Celtic vies with Daniel Candeias of Rangersl during the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Ranger at Celtic Park on December 30, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Derby Dominance

The Bhoys remain unbeaten in the last 11 games in this fixture – the last defeat occurred in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup through penalties back in 2016. Both home games so far this calendar year have ended in a triumph for The Hoops, a 4-0 and 5-0 win in the cup and league respectively.

However, the start to this league campaign has been less than convincing. Despite an opening day victory over Livingston, Brendan Rodgers’ side lost their first away trip of the season at Hearts then needed help from the unpopular Dedryck Boyata to scrape past Hamilton in what was two very disappointing displays.

The Opposition

Rangers remain unbeaten in the new era under Steven Gerrard and come into this fixture with the most confidence since their liquidation in 2012. Despite an early red card for star-man Alfredo Morelos in their opening game at Aberdeen, the Gers had to settle for a 1-1 draw after conceding a last minute equaliser.  They bounced back with a 2-0 win in their opening home game against St Mirren, picking up another red card in the process, then drew 3-3 in a thriller at Motherwell.

Last Season

The two teams met five times last season, four times in the league and once in the cup. In the SPL, The Hoops won three of the four fixtures: 2-0, 3-2 and 5-0 in amongst a goalless draw. Things were easier in the Scottish Cup as Celtic ran away with a 4-0 victory, which saw them book their place at Hampden Park for the final.

 

Expected Line-up

I expect Rodgers to set up in a 3-4-1-2 formation as used last time around in the 1-0 win over Hamilton. Three at the back should help deal with the threat of Morelos whilst Forrest and Tierney can provide both defensive cover and bring attacking threat down the flanks. Scott Brown and Callum McgGregor will roam the middle of the park as usual, whilst I expect Tom Rogic to sit just in front of them in his usual number 10 role.

With Moussa Dembele securing a move away from Celtic Park to Olympique Lyonnais on deadline day, attention now turns to the remaining squad to see if anyone can fill the hole he has left . Having been left out of Rodgers’ side that won comfortably in Europe on Thursday after Lyon had made an offer, which was later rejected striker Leigh Griffiths proved that the Bhoys could cope without the French International.

Projected Line-up:

Gordon, Lustig, Boyata, Ajer, Forrest, Brown, McGregor, Tierney, Rogic, Dembele, Griffiths

 

Prediction

Rodgers’ side will certainly have to up their game massively if they want to get the three points here, but the home advantage might just be enough. Rangers have started well under Steven Gerrard and I expect them to carry that momentum into Sunday’s game. Expect the points to be distributed evenly.

Morgan’s Prediction:       Celtic 2-2 Rangers

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