Celtic are in Old Firm action on Sunday, when they face Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals at Ibrox. The Bhoys have been in fine form of late, maintaining a perfect record in the league, but they are going to have to produce a big away performance to pick up the win in the absence of any away fans.
Rangers have picked up of late, winning their last four games following a disappointing start to the season, and that sets up an interesting first Old Firm of the season. Here we take a look at the three keys to the game as far as Celtic are concerned.
Tierney vs Sterling cat and mouse game
What's going to be interesting in this game is how Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney and Rangers right-back Dujon Sterling manage their duel. Both full-backs like to get forward, but either one doing so could leave their team vulnerable because of the fact both players like to push on, and along with the respective wingers on that side, there could be opportunities to create overloads.
It's going to be interesting to see how both players pick their moments and whether either player can take their opportunities when they do get forward.
Celtic's attack can wreak havoc
Celtic clearly have the better attack of the two teams, with the Bhoys having serious weapons in Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Hassem Hassan and others. Even when Rangers' attack is at full strength, the Hoops have the better players at the top end of the field, so take Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland out of the equation, and it's an obvious advantage for the Hoops.
Celtic must take full advantage of that factor, and if they can be as dangerous as they have been in many of their games so far this season, Rangers are going to have problems defending their visitors.
Bhoys must hold their own in midfield
One area where Celtic may not have the advantage is in midfield. Rangers have a strong base with Nico Raskin and the experienced Dan Neil, and it's not clear Celtic have figured out the right balance, with Callum McGregor a traditional pivot and Mika Baur needing to play a little further forward.
Baur and McGregor have done well this season, but you could argue that has been on a more individual basis, with the Bhoys midfield perhaps leaving their back-line too exposed at times.
To come out of Ibrox with a win, Celtic need to take care of business in the midfield, and they must get the best of the talented Raskin.
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