When the Glasgow derby is concerned, there is no room for complacency.
Brendan Rodgers will know just that and the Celtic manager’s record vs Rangers proves it.
It’s a trip to Ibrox to come tomorrow afternoon and the opportunity to, perhaps, do two things in particular.
Beating Gers is always the most important thing and on their own patch is special.
To go 17 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership would be ideal and would also perhaps signal the end for their manager, Philippe Clement, who was recently told he was “lucky” Celtic were the next fixture in his calendar.
Rangers are without James Tavernier – not that he’s made much difference recently – but that could be a point of contention for the hosts while only James Forrest misses out for Celts.
And 67 Hail Hail takes a look at who is likely to start for the Hoops following some changes from Rodgers in recent weeks.
Celtic potential lineup vs Rangers at Ibrox
Kasper Schmeichel is the obvious choice to start in goals while the back four almost takes care of itself.
The only question comes between Liam Scales and Auston Trusty but the likelihood is the manager will plump for the American beside Cameron Carter-Vickers if he is fit enough.
Greg Taylor, despite transfer interest, will also be the starting left-back with Alistair Johnston on the right.
Midfield is where it usually gets a tad trickier. But maybe not this time.
Brendan Rodgers will restore his key players vs Rangers
Arne Engels has been a standout in recent games and will start while Callum McGregor will be restored to the starting lineup having been rested vs St Johnstone.
Reo Hatate takes the final spot in Paulo Bernardo‘s stead.
Yang won’t start so it will be Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn on the wings and then the Gers slayer Kyogo will play from kick-off with a brace vs Saints still fresh in his mind.
Predicted XI: Schmeichel, Johnston, CCV, Trusty, Taylor, Engels, McGregor, Hatate, Maeda, Kuhn, Kyogo.
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