Kris Boyd sounds terrified that Celtic will exploit three Rangers stars

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Celtic are heading into this weekend’s derby clash against Rangers in fine fettle and brimming with confidence.

Brendan Rodgers has a good record vs Rangers and will be desperate to add to that with another strong performance in the Scottish Premiership.

The opportunity to also take a 19-point lead at the top of the division is not lost on the Irishman, either, and will be the main driving point at Celtic Park.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	CelticCeltic	29	24	3	2	87	17	70	75
2	RangersRangers	29	18	5	6	59	26	33	59
3	HibernianHibernian	29	11	10	8	44	40	4	43
4	AberdeenAberdeen	29	12	6	11	38	46	-8	42
5	Dundee UtdDundee Utd	29	11	8	10	36	36	0	41
6	MotherwellMotherwell	29	11	4	14	34	48	-14	37

Celts have been fluid this season with Daizen Maeda moving from left to the middle while Adam Idah has chipped in with goals and the wide players have been excellent. And for former Ibrox striker Boyd, that’s why he sounds worried about the derby clash this weekend with interim coach Barry Ferguson inexperienced to handle Celtic’s tactical plans and their key men.

James Tavernier, for example, has notoriously found it difficult vs Maeda and Jota has had some heady days vs Gers in the past with four goals and an assist in 10 games with six victories and two draws to boot.

• READ MORE: Neil Lennon states what was ‘rare’ in his time has now become the norm at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers

Kris Boyd worried about three Celtic stars vs Rangers

And Boyd is nervous he shows up again and dominates as well as Nicolas Kuhn who has shone this year against the likes of Ridvan and Jefte as well as their captain.

“If you look at the how Celtic play, it will be the one through the middle with two higher, you’d imagine Kuhn and Jota. In terms of that three-v-one one centrally, the Rangers full-backs will end up getting pushed back,” Boyd told the Scottish Sun.

“There [will be] more issues elsewhere on the pitch if Rangers decide to go with that three at the back.

“Yes, it gives you that solid base to work from. But, because of how high Celtic’s wingers are, Rangers’ full-backs or wing-backs will end up getting pushed back. It will become a five and you can’t get out!

“So Rangers will have to be a lot braver on the ball, try and implement that, use it as an overload and build from the back.

“Whatever happens, it’s going to be a fascinating contest. You’ve got one which is probably all-out attack and you would imagine Rangers will be a little bit more cautious.”

Rangers, to their credit, are still in Europa League action which could act as an advantage for Celtic over their rivals without a midweek distraction of their own.

What Rangers starting XI Celtic can expect to face

Ferguson helped his side towards a shock 3-1 win over Fenerbahce in Turkey last week and Boyd believes a result in Glasgow will stand them in good stead for Sunday at Parkhead.

He also reckons their interim head coach won’t mess around too much with his starting XI if they perform tomorrow in Europe again.

And that will give Rodgers a closer look at what he can play with.

“I don’t expect Barry to change much on Thursday night,” Boyd says. “And I would imagine, if they go and get a decent result against Fenerbahce, it will be the same line-up that goes again at Celtic Park.

“I thought Rangers were excellent last Thursday and will be looking to continue that this week. It is going to be two huge games. A massive game at Celtic Park.”