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Predicted Celtic starting XI to face Rangers as 5 changes made

A look at the likely Celtic starting lineup for Sunday
ByJamie Kemble
Hogh might just about keep his place
Hogh might just about keep his place | Craig Williamson - SNS Group/GettyImages

Celtic are back in action on Sunday, when they face Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals at Ibrox.

The Bhoys have a 100% record in the Premiership this season, so they are in fine form heading into this one, while Rangers have won their last four following a disappointing start.

Here we put together the most likely Celtic starting XI for the game.

GK- Viljami Sinisalo

Johnstone may have made a good save last time out, but Sinisalo has been very consistent all season, and it will be a questionable decision if he didn't start this game.

LB - Kieran Tierney

Tierney is back fit, coming on late during the week, and he is expected to return to his starting role here.

CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers

Carter-Vickers suffered with fatigue and sat out the midweek game, but he is expected to come back in here.

CB - Auston Trusty

Trusty is Carter-Vickers' ideal partner and is expected to start alongside him here.

RB - Colby Donovan

Donovan is the current number one right-back in the absence of Alistair Johnston, who remains out injured. Jordan Lotomba and Anthony Ralston are also options.

CDM - Callum McGregor

McGregor is effectively operating as a single pivot, and there is no one else who can really do that job. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can, but he doesn't break up the play like McGregor.

CM - Mika Baur

Baur is playing alongside McGregor but with much more licence to get forward. Baur had his best game for Celtic during the week, and he will start here.

CAM - Benjamin Nygren

Nygren was rested during the week, and he will come back in here, clearly the best option in the attacking midfield role.

RW - Haissem Hassan

Hassan looked pretty sharp again during the week, providing an assist, and O'Neill is likely to keep him on his preferred right.

LW - Camilo Duran

In truth, Duran should probably start as the striker and Hogh on the bench from what we have seen of late, but it's unlikely O'Neill will do that in such a big game. That means Duran will have to play on the wing, and he may have to play on the left, unless Hassan ends up flipping to this side. Either way, they are the two most likely starting wingers, with Sebastian Tounekti the next most likely option.

CF - Kasper Hogh

Hogh has struggled in front of goal of late, and O'Neill called him out for it during the week, albeit it indirectly. It wouldn't be a shock if he was dropped, but it's unlikely he will be for this one.

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