The Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most exciting and heated fixtures in world football. This encounter is always filled with passion, intense rivalry, and high stakes. Both teams will look to showcase their best lineups and secure a vital win in the Scottish Premiership. As these two giants of Scottish football face off, let’s take a look at the likely lineups for this thrilling contest.
Celtic F.C. Likely Starting XI: Dominating Possession
Celtic, under manager Brendan Rodgers, are known for their possession-based football and aggressive pressing. Their attacking style will be on full display against Rangers, and they will aim to impose themselves early in the match. Celtic will likely set up in a 4-3-3 formation to maintain control in midfield and provide width on the flanks.
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Joe Hart has been a reliable figure in Celtic’s goal. His experience and shot-stopping ability will be crucial in ensuring Celtic’s defense holds firm against Rangers’ attacking threats.
Defenders: Josip Juranović, Carl Starfelt, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Greg Taylor
Juranović and Taylor will provide the width on the full-back positions, supporting the attack while also tracking Rangers’ wingers. Starfelt and Carter-Vickers will form the central defensive partnership, tasked with dealing with the aerial threat and physicality of Rangers’ forwards.
Midfielders: Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley
McGregor will anchor the midfield, providing stability and dictating the tempo of play. Hatate and O’Riley will play more advanced roles, looking to link up with the attack and provide creativity in the final third.
Forwards: Jota, Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada
Jota and Abada will be the wide attackers, providing pace and trickery to stretch Rangers’ defense. Kyogo, as the central forward, will look to capitalize on any chances in the box and use his movement to find space.
Rangers F.C. Likely Starting XI: A Strong Defensive Setup
Rangers, managed by Michael Beale, will likely adopt a more solid defensive approach. Expect them to set up in a 4-3-3 formation as well, but with a focus on keeping it tight at the back and counter-attacking when opportunities arise.
Goalkeeper: Allan McGregor
McGregor remains a veteran presence in goal for Rangers. His shot-stopping and leadership will be crucial, especially against a high-pressing Celtic side. He will need to remain sharp to deny Celtic’s attackers.
Defenders: James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Ben Davies, Borna Barišić
Tavernier and Barišić will operate as the full-backs, tasked with providing width and supporting the counter-attacks. Goldson and Davies will be the central defenders, with Goldson in particular having to deal with the movement of Kyogo and the pace of Celtic’s wingers.
Midfielders: John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Tom Lawrence
Lundstram and Jack will provide protection to the defense, breaking up Celtic’s attacks and winning the ball back. Lawrence will operate further forward, linking up play and supporting the attacking players.
Forwards: Fashion Sakala, Alfredo Morelos, Rabbi Matondo
Sakala and Matondo will use their pace to exploit any spaces left by Celtic’s high defensive line. Morelos, the central striker, will be a key target for long balls and crosses into the box, where his strength and aerial ability will be put to the test.
Key Players to Watch in the Celtic vs Rangers Match
The Old Firm derby is known for its intense atmosphere, and several key players could make the difference on the day.
For Celtic:
Kyogo Furuhashi
Kyogo is Celtic’s main goal threat. His movement off the ball, combined with his finishing ability, makes him one of the most dangerous strikers in Scotland. Rangers’ defense will need to keep a close eye on him to avoid being caught out by his pace and clever runs.
Jota
Jota’s dribbling and flair on the wing make him a key player for Celtic. His ability to deliver crosses and cut inside to shoot on goal will test Rangers’ full-backs. Jota’s creativity and skill will be crucial in breaking down Rangers’ defensive structure.
For Rangers:
James Tavernier
Tavernier is one of Rangers’ most influential players. His leadership and ability to deliver precise crosses from right-back make him a dangerous weapon for Rangers. His attacking contributions, especially from set-pieces, will be vital in providing service to Morelos and the other forwards.
Alfredo Morelos
Morelos will be Rangers’ focal point in attack. Known for his physicality and finishing ability, Morelos will be crucial in holding up the ball and bringing his teammates into play. His ability to score in high-pressure situations makes him a constant threat to Celtic’s defense.
Tactical Breakdown: How Both Teams Will Approach the Game
Celtic’s Possession Game: Celtic will aim to dominate possession, using their midfield to control the tempo of the game. With McGregor, Hatate, and O’Riley, they have a creative trio capable of breaking down defensive lines. The wide play from Jota and Abada will stretch Rangers’ defense, and Kyogo’s movement will look to exploit any gaps.
Rangers’ Counter-Attacking Strategy: Rangers will likely look to sit deeper and soak up Celtic’s pressure. The defensive midfield duo of Lundstram and Jack will play a crucial role in breaking up attacks and disrupting Celtic’s rhythm. When they win the ball, Rangers will look to counter quickly through the pace of Sakala, Matondo, and the clinical finishing of Morelos.
FAQs:
1. What are the expected lineups for Celtic vs Rangers?
Celtic will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation with Joe Hart in goal, and players like Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota leading the attack. Rangers are expected to play with Allan McGregor in goal, and key players like Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier in the starting XI.
2. Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Celtic, Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota will be key in attack, while for Rangers, Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier will play critical roles in both defense and attack.
3. How will Celtic break down Rangers’ defense?
Celtic will use their wide players, Jota and Abada, to stretch Rangers’ defense, while their midfield trio will aim to dominate possession and create openings. Kyogo Furuhashi’s movement off the ball will also be key in breaking through Rangers’ defense.
4. Can Rangers cause an upset in the Old Firm Derby?
Rangers have the defensive organization and counter-attacking threat to frustrate Celtic. If they can absorb pressure and exploit the pace of Sakala and Matondo, they could cause an upset, especially with Morelos’ goal-scoring ability.
5. What tactical approach will Rangers adopt against Celtic?
Rangers will likely adopt a defensive strategy, soaking up pressure from Celtic and hitting on the counter. The midfield duo of Lundstram and Jack will be key in disrupting Celtic’s build-up play and launching quick attacks.
In Summary:
The Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in Scottish football. Celtic will look to control possession and break down Rangers’ defense with their attacking style, while Rangers will focus on counter-attacks and solid defending to frustrate their rivals. With key players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, Alfredo Morelos, and James Tavernier on the pitch, fans can expect a highly competitive and entertaining encounter. This match is sure to deliver excitement, drama, and plenty of talking points.
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