The Glasgow derby is massive. If Celtic win, they stay in the title race. Anything else, and it could see us knocked out. Martin O'Neill has to take risks, and he should include Callum Osmand in the matchday squad.
The striker was just getting into the swing of things when he picked up a hamstring injury that saw him ruled out for months. Amid Celtic's struggles up front, you have to feel this season could have been very different had he been fit, but we are reaching the perfect time to bring him back.
Although Osmand has failed to make a matchday squad since returning from injury, he has been in training and played 45 minutes with the B team last week, getting himself on the scoresheet. He is clearly making progress, and with the unique skills he has, he could make a massive difference against Rangers.
He has a lot of pace and a brilliant strike. He knows how to put the ball in the back of the net, and that's massive. With Kelechi Iheanacho seemingly unable to play more than 30 minutes at a time, he brings similar skills but with the fitness to back it, and although he may not be as match sharp, he is an option who should be utilised.
It could be too risky to bring him in from the start, but having him on the bench alongside Iheanacho seems too good to turn down.
Daizen Maeda could be injured
We are awaiting an update on Daizen Maeda, who limped off the pitch after the win over Hibernian at Easter Road. He missed the Player of the Year ceremony that evening, but O'Neill didn't seem overly worried. If he is injured, that could open up the central spot for either Iheanacho or Osmand, and you have to feel that Iheanacho would be favoured due to his sharpness.
The last thing we want to do is rush an injured player back. Thankfully, Alistair Johnston seems all good to go for Sunday, but with a young player like the striker, we need to be careful.
However, it is time to take risks. If we lose this, it's over. That can't happen, and we need everyone we can.
The midfield question
Benjamin Nygren was scrutinised for his performance against Hibs. Some fans felt he didn't impress, and it's hard to disagree. Luke McCowan also came off the bench that day, marking another match where Reo Hatate was left an unused substitute.
No one really knows what is going on with the midfielder. When he had a run of games a while ago, he looked brilliant. O'Neill has him sitting on the bench again, favouring McCowan over him, with the Scotsman even being offered a new contract recently.
Some supporters are calling for Hatate to finally be given another chance, as we all know how he can influence these big games. He did it last time out against the Gers, and there's no reason why he can't now.
There are a lot of questions over who will start going into the derby, and hopefully, it'll be our best possible team. There is no room for error, so let's get this right.
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