Celtic derby team confirmed: Kyogo on bench, global TV details, instant reaction

By John McGinley

April 17, 2022

Manager Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic team vs Rangers in the Scottish Cup this afternoon.

The full match squad is as follows:

Starting XI – Hart, Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, Rogic, Abada, Jota, Maeda.

Substitutes – Bain, Jullien, Kyogo, Turnbull, McCarthy, Johnston, Ideguchi, O’Riley, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh.

The importance of today’s game needs little introduction. A place in the final against Hearts is up for grabs as Celtic push for a treble of domestic trophies.

The big news is that Kyogo Furuhashi doesn’t start the match as many hoped. Instead he’s on the bench ready to be unleashed in the second half.

There aren’t many surprises elsewhere, with the news that Giorgos Giakoumakis wouldn’t feature today already widely circulated.

Daizen Maeda has been tasked as the man through the middle, supported by Jota and a returning Liel Abada.

Broadcast details

Today’s match is being shown live on Premier Sports 1 in the UK & Ireland.

Subscribers to Celtic TV outside of the UK & Ireland can watch via the club’s service.

BBC Radio Scotland are also carrying live audio commentary from Hampden on their platforms.

In Australia the game is being carried live on beIN Sports 2, while USA viewers can watch via ESPN+. A full list of global channels broadcasting the match today can be found via LiveSoccerTV.

Instant verdict on Celtic team vs Rangers

Liel Abada’s return to the starting eleven shouldn’t be overlooked. He hasn’t started a match since early March and will be desperate to prove a point tonight. Let’s not forget he’s scored 15 goals this season, including against Rangers and one against St Johnstone last week. He’ll be a danger.

Ange’s team is exactly the one we’ve predicted he’d go for on 67 Hail Hail this week so really there are no complaints. All of these players have proven they can perform against Rangers.

It’s now about putting that game plan back into action and starting the match aggressively and on the front foot. We have the talent to succeed today. Let’s show it!

In other news, Ange Postecoglou explains last-minute Celtic preparations for Hampden clash.