It’s Glasgow derby time as Celtic prepare to face rivals Rangers in Sunday’s Betfred League Cup final at Hampden Park.
This is shaping up to be a mouth-watering clash as the Hoops are on an 11 game winning streak.
Few people would’ve anticipated Wednesday’s win over Hamilton Accies ending in such dramatic style; the Lanarkshire side made it 1-1 in the 90th minute before Hoops captain Scott Brown saved the day with a last-gasp winner, to move them two points clear at the top of the Premiership table.
It wasn’t Celtic’s best performance by any means, but it’s a result that will give them confidence going into Sunday’s final.
Rangers were also in action on Wednesday night. They faced a trip up North to face Aberdeen and had to settle for a draw. Despite going two goals up, the Dons clawed their way back to salvage a point.
Should Neil Lennon’s side win this weekend, it will be the 10th trophy they have lifted in a row; they’re also on the hunt for their 31st straight domestic cup win. A bit of inspiration for both the players and fans.
Here is our predicted Celtic lineup for Sunday’s 3pm kick-off.
GK: Fraser Forster
Has rarely put a foot wrong at all since resigning. Definitely our best option between the sticks. Will be called upon to make some big saves when it matters, which he is more than capable of.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong
It’s between Frimpong and Bauer, and I’d choose Frimpong given his ability to get forward as well as defend. His pace and agility could prove tough for the Rangers players to handle.
CB: Christopher Jullien
The Frenchman was given a rest in the win over Hamilton, allowing him to recharge and stay fresh ahead of Sunday. Was a rock at the back when they won at Ibrox.
CB: Kristoffer Ajer
The Ajer-Jullien partnership is the best we have at the back, and will give us the strongest possible chance at containing any potential Rangers attack.
LB: Jonny Hayes
Our left-back situation is far from ideal at the moment. Greg Taylor is cup-tied and Bolingoli has only just returned after being sidelined for a month, so it’s unlikely he’ll start. It means Hayes – who has recently returned to training following a dislocated shoulder – is likely to be a starter.
He knows Sunday’s opponents well, given he scored in the 2-0 win at Ibrox back in September.
CM: Scott Brown (C)
Loves a derby day and knows exactly what they mean. A big-game player who will wear his heart on his sleeve on Sunday. Will be full of confidence after netting the winner on Wednesday night.
CM: Callum McGregor
A significant asset to the team and a player every club would love to have. McGregor’s ability to read the game will be cruical on Sunday.
CAM: Ryan Christie
His energy and determination to shut his man down is exactly what we’ll need. Has 16 goals so far this season, and it doesn’t seem like he’ll slow down any time soon. A strong candidate to grab a goal on Sunday.
RM: James Forrest
Will be hoping to cause the Rangers defence problems down that right-hand side. Has what it takes to pop-up with a game-winning moment; whether that be a goal or assist.
LM: Mikey Johnston
Could potentially make his first start since that win at Ibrox three months ago. Made three sub appearances since returning from injury and has looked sharp and agile. Elyounoussi could come off the bench later on and make an impact if he is fit.
ST: Odsonne Edouard
There has been speculation as to whether Eddy would be fit for Sunday. Neil Lennon has stated that there is ‘a very good chance he could start’, which is good enough for me.
On his day he is unbeatable. Sunday could see him step-up and be counted once more.