Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Lineups will be witnessed in one of the fiercest and oldest derbies in the world as Old Firm Derby is set to kick off. This century-old competition manages to not only cling to the imaginations of Scottish football but also rivets the attention of the global football enthusiasts. Traditionally, both clubs have fought for dominance in Scottish Premiership. The game thus remains one of the most eagerly anticipated upshots in the football calendar. This article provides a comprehensive review of the Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. lineups, team news, live scores, predictions, and much more.
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Lineups: Match Preview
The Old Firm Derby has always proven a spectacle event, with both teams portraying the finest talent on earth, a good history between them, and very competitive managers. Once again, Celtic and Rangers clash, and this may shape bragging rights for now but possibly even the overall title of the Scottish Premiership.
Form and Recent Performances
Celtic F.C. has come into this game as one of the dominant forces of Scotland in recent times. The manager has pretty much kept the team consistent over the season and won those matches that defined their strength over any rival from within the country. This attack-oriented team houses bright talents like Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor, all being prominent presences on the field.
On their part, Rangers F.C. have also shown fantastic resilience under their new managerial guidance. And with several seasons of revival now behind them, Rangers are looking forward to eventually catching up with their arch-rivals, Celtic. With all the gains they have gotten so far with players like James Tavernier and Todd Cantwell, they have thus built a solid attack and defense that ranks them among the best teams in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Lineups
The first eleven for both teams will decide the outcome of the match. Tactical decisions by the managers regarding key attacks and defense people make all the difference in winning and losing the game. Here’s a prediction of both teams’ line-ups.
Celtic F.C. Predicted Starting Line-up (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
- Right-back: Alistair Johnston
- Centre-back: Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Centre-back: Carl Starfelt
- Left-back: Greg Taylor
- Central Midfielder: Callum McGregor (Captain)
- Central Midfielder: Reo Hatate
- Attacking Midfielder: Matt O’Riley
- Right-winger: Liel Abada
- Stiker: Kyogo Furuhashi
- Wing-back: Daizen Maeda
Rangers F.C. Expected Starting XI (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Jack Butland
- Right-back: James Tavernier (Captain)
- Centre-back: Connor Goldson
- Centre-back: Ben Davies
- Left-back: Borna Barišić
- Central Midfielder: Nicolas Raskin
- Central Midfielder: John Lundstram
- Attacking Midfielder: Todd Cantwell
- Right-winger: Rabbi Matondo
- Striker: Danilo
- Left-winger: Abdallah Sima
Team News and Injuries
Celtic F.C. Team News
Celtic’s strength is their squad, relatively well-stocked, but their fitness level regarding key players is questionable. Cameron Carter-Vickers, the outstanding defender, will return from injury; however, that might not be at full capacity. Reo Hatate has had minor knocks, but he should fit and play a huge part in the game.
Rangers F.C. Team News
Rangers also face a few injury issues. Tom Lawrence and Kieran Dowell are unlikely to play due to continuous rehabilitation. Their absence might affect the creativity in the middle of the park, but with Todd Cantwell playing behind and Nicolas Raskin rising up in midfield, the side looks just fine.
Tactical Analysis: How Will Both Teams Approach the Game?
Approach by Celtic F.C.
Celtic is going to heavily depend on their favorite 4-3-3 formation. The team will focus on possession football with quick passing and press from top to bottom. The pace of Kyogo Furuhashi and the creativity of Matt O’Riley will present the attack to Rangers.
This will be a sharp defending assignment for Celtic, especially at set pieces involving James Tavernier.
Rangers F.C. Strategy
Rangers, on the other hand, would look to strengthen the backline and seek ways to capitalize on the mistakes Celtic made in a quick counter-attack. Rangers skipper James Tavernier would play a very crucial role in defending, along with the attacking opportunities that he can create.
The way Todd Cantwell intervenes at midfield to break up attacks will be of great importance for feeding into Rangers’ front line, more so their striker Danilo.
Predictions: Who Will Emerge Victorious?
Old Firm is always going to be the hardest game in town because the usual outcome of such a fiery match is that both teams raise their game. However, going by the present trend, it should be Celtic F.C. who may just be that wee bit better on home turf, with a passion-filled crowd behind them.
- Prediction: Celtic F.C. 2-1 Rangers F.C.
Such a stark reversal of fortunes is possible in Celtic’s favor, but the solidity and tactical discipline with which Rangers will play means that it will be a close game. More likely than not, Celtic should emerge by the odd goal in their favor.
Live Score and Updates
For live score updates and minute-by-minute analysis of the match, log on to sports apps like SofaScore or FlashScore or follow the official Twitter feeds of Celtic and Rangers.
Score updates the goals, assists, cards, and other events with match significance in real time, so that fans don’t miss any of the game action.
Key players to watch
Celtic F.C.
- Kyogo Furuhashi: He is a great threat as a goal-scorer, and his speed and movement can make any defense worried.
- Callum McGregor: He is the midfield general who makes Celtic tick, and his control of the game can be decisive.
Rangers F.C.
- James Tavernier: A goal-scorring fullback, James Tavernier is good at crossing and leadership as Rangers captain.
- Todd Cantwell: Creative midfield player that unlocks teams with visions and fine distribution.
Conclusion
In the lead up to Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Lineups, some of the teams who will be most competitive have been matched with deep historical roots and ardent fan bases. With a star-studded lineup on both sides and always so philosophically matched, this promises to be something very electrifying for the Old Firm Derby. Whichever team gets to extend their dominance or if Rangers did pull off an upset, surely that which will be purely memorable to the Scottish football followers.
Fans should watch out for the live score update as these two teams clash once again to win supremacy in Scotland.
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