Ahead of Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Rangers at Hampden on Sunday, we at Read Celtic will role-play and predict the starting XI.
We will be playing the role of Brendan Rodgers and will be choosing the starting XI, as well as predicting how the team will line-up on the pitch.
It also includes a bit of insight into what we expect from each player, and what they can do to make the difference.
Celtic are on course to complete back-to-back treble wins, something that has never been achieved before in Scottish football history.
The Hoops’ record at Hampden under Brendan Rodgers is impressive, as they have won all six matches there – scoring fourteen goals and conceding just three.
Sunday’s opposition have failed to beat the Scottish champions in their previous nine attempts.
Will be sharper than Gordon after racking up more minutes recently. Impressed the last time he faced Rangers last month.
Mikael Lustig
Returning to a back four means the Swede will slot back into defence.
Dedryck Boyata
With Jack Hendry cup-tied, the Belgian will remain in the starting eleven. A better performance against Rangers is needed than the last time he started against them.
Kristoffer Ajer
Should be no questions as to who partners Boyata at the back. The Norwegian has impressed and shown he can perform under pressure when it matters.
Kieran Tierney
Returned to action against Hamilton last weekend, just in time for the semi-final. Has coped well with the Rangers attack before.
Scott Brown
Everyone knows how much the captain loves a derby weekend. He’s stepped up when it mattered most this season and should do the same again on Sunday.
Stuart Armstrong
It’s a toss-up between Armstrong and Ntcham for me, and if the former can shake off a calf injury he picked up in training, then he should get the nod for this game given his dynamic ability.
Patrick Roberts
The tricky winger brings a range of creativity to the team that very few others can offer. When he cuts inside he looks like a real threat no matter who the opposition. Given the occasion, the loanee may start ahead of Forrest.
Tom Rogic
Scored a screamer in the Hoops’ 3-2 win over Rangers at Ibrox last month. He’s a man for the big occasions, which is why he deserves a start on Sunday.
James Forrest
Rodgers favours Sinclair on the left wing but Forrest’s direct approach and ability to get at defenders would be a welcome threat down the left flank.
Moussa Dembele
The Frenchman has six goals in eight appearances against Sunday’s opponents, with his most recent coming in last month’s 3-2 win at Ibrox.
Many will call for Griffiths to be selected to start ahead of him, but Moussa has shown he is more than capable of turning up against them.