Celtic will play their final match of the decade at home this Sunday, with rivals Rangers travelling to the east end of Glasgow.
Neil Lennon’s side remain five points clear at the top of the table, having beaten St. Mirren 2-1 on Boxing Day in Paisley. Goals from Callum McGregor and James Forrest sealed all three points before Cammy McPherson’s deflected free-kick denied the Hoops a clean sheet.
This weekend will be the first time Glasgow’s two biggest sides have met since the Betfred League Cup final at the beginning of the month. The champions were far from their best yet they still managed to come out on top as winners, with Christopher Jullien scoring the only goal of the game.
Since then, Steven Gerrard’s side have won three league games on the bounce, without conceding a goal.
Lennon will have a real selection dilemma ahead of this one. The crop of players he has to choose from all boast real quality and offer various aspects to our game.
Celtic will be without Mohamed Elyounoussi, Hatem Abd Elhamed and Jozo Simunovic for this one. Filip Helander will be missing for Rangers.
A big game awaits both sides. A win for Celtic would be their twelfth in a row; it would also extend their lead at the top of the tree to eight points, a big boost going into the winter break.
Here is our Celtic predicted XI for Sunday’s afternoon kick-off.
GK: Fraser Forster
Will undoubtedly be right up for this one. His performance in the cup final was a testament to how good he is.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong
Has relished his run in the team. His energy and pace will prove vital.
CB: Christopher Jullien
Wasn’t at his best on Boxing Day but remains a crucial member of the team.
CB: Kristoffer Ajer
The Norwegian is another who remains a valuable asset. His understanding with Jullien will be important when trying to combat with Rangers attack.
LB: Boli Bolingoli
A big performance is needed from Boli on Sunday. He has the quality to make a difference but it’s executing it that he must do.
CM: Scott Brown (C)
He knows what’s required in a game such as this.
CM: Callum McGregor
The Scotland international bagged a goal on Thursday which will put him in a good position mentally ahead of Sunday. A consistent performer who strives in the bigger games.
CAM: Olivier Ntcham
Lennon is likely to stick with his plan of fitting Ntcham into the lineup from the start.
RM: Ryan Christie
With Ntcham potentially a starter, Christie could start out wide and drift into the middle during the game. Hopefully he finally bags a goal against Rangers for the Hoops.
LM: James Forrest
Could continue operating as a left-winger as he has done in the past couple of games. Scored our second goal in Paisley.
ST: Odsonne Edouard
The Frenchman knows what these games are all about. Didn’t start in the cup final win though came on and changed the dynamic of the game, and this time he’s fully fit and ready to go.