Celtic derby team confirmed: No changes to XI, global broadcast details, fans react

By John McGinley

March 21, 2021

John Kennedy has announced his Celtic team to face Rangers in today’s Scottish Premiership derby at Celtic Park, per the official club website.

The full match squad is as follows:

Starting XI – Bain, Kenny, Ajer, Welsh, Laxalt, Brown, McGregor, Christie, Turnbull, Elyounoussi, Edouard.

Substitutes – Barkas, Taylor, Duffy, Bitton, Griffiths, Klimala, Soro, Rogic, Forrest.

Today may not have any trophy implications for Celtic or Rangers, but this derby is rarely a non-event.

Celtic will be well up for picking up a first derby victory since 2019 after the shambles that has unfolded this season. They owe supporters and supporters always want to win this one.

As expected, Kennedy has named a very strong lineup for the encounter.

The headline news is probably that there are no changes from the team that drew against Dundee United two weeks ago.

It looks like the same set-up at Tannadice, with goal threats such as Leigh Griffiths and James Forrest on the bench.

Time will tell if that proves effective. The interim boss clearly has faith in his previous decisions.

Broadcast details

Today’s game is on the club’s ‘Pass To Paradise’ streaming service for season ticket holders as it takes place at home.

Celtic TV will also be broadcasting live coverage, for subscribers to the separate service, outside of the UK & Ireland.

The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

For those who cannot tune in there, BBC Radio Scotland is providing live audio commentary online.

Supporters in the USA can watch on ESPN+.

The 12 pm kick-off is also on a massive amount of channels in 93 countries, from Anguilla to Venezuela [LiveSoccerTV].

Fan reaction to Celtic derby team v Rangers

There is definitely concern amongst some supporters with today’s selection. The decision to keep Scott Brown in the team, as well as only one recognised striker being on the pitch, are particularly contentious calls from Kennedy.

However, given our opponents today, there is still a bullishness and hope this team can get the job done.

It’s easy to forget but we actually played quite well in the last derby at Ibrox. Can these eleven players prove a point to Rangers, supporters and the rest of the country?

These fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the announcement…

In other news, Celtic are reportedly on the verge of a big rebuild announcement.