In three alterations, Rodgers boldly drops Kyogo and unleashes “throwback”: Rangers vs. Celtic team prediction

The Hoops will be hoping to lengthen their slim benefit at the summit with a declaration win tomorrow.

No remember their mixed shape in recent times, Scottish champions Celtic will be completely conscious that a statement victory over their Old Firm opponents on Saturday afternoon will assist to firmly quash the doubters, with the fixture so regularly proving decisive in the battle for Premiership glory.

The Parkhead outfit go into tomorrow’s conflict on domestic soil five factors clear at the summit, albeit with bitter rivals Rangers having two games in hand, ensuring the pair are very tons finely poised at present.

While the Hoops have picked up successive wins over Livingston and Dundee, Brendan Rodgers’ facet have really now not been at their free-flowing great of late, consequently why the former Leicester City boss should make as many as three changes from the facet that ran out 3-0 winners on Boxing Day.

1GK – Joe Hart

The 36-year-old – who has just six months left on his existing deal – may not be the long-term choose for Rodgers and co, yet the experienced stopper will be known as upon as soon as again this weekend.

2RB – Alistair Johnston

The former Montreal man is yet to register a goal or an assist this season, yet that isn’t for a desire of trying, having enormously provided six key passes last time out, while taking part in 122 touches of the ball.

It will be the Canadian’s protective energy that will be tested tomorrow, however, up towards the lively Abdallah Sima.

3CB – Stephen Welsh

The first trade may want to see Stephen Welsh come into the aspect to exchange the Cameron Carter-Vickers, with the latter man set to be absent after he limped off at Dens Park.

With the likes of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki still no longer even making the matchday squad of late, Welsh will possibly be known as upon from the begin for the go to of Philippe Clement’s men.

4CB – Liam Scales

Despite signing Nawrocki, Lagerbielke and Nat Phillips over the summer, it is Liam Scales who has deservingly been a mainstay in the aspect this season, having been truely “excellent” – as per his manager.

5LB – Greg Taylor

With Alexandro Bernabei fading from view underneath Rodgers, Taylor is the undisputed first-choice pick at left-back and will once again get the nod.

6CDM – Callum McGregor

A man who knows all about this fixture – having taken phase in 35 Old Firm meetings to date – Callum McGregor will lead the aspect out in what could be a crucial come upon amid Celtic’s hopes of defending their title.

7CM – Matt O’Riley

If every person is to win the recreation for the Bhoys, it is probable to be Matt O’Riley, with the in-demand ace – who has reportedly caught the eye of Serie A giants, Inter Milan – scoring nine desires and contributing eight assists in all competitions this season.

8CM – Paulo Bernardo

Fresh from scoring his first goal for the membership towards Dundee, Paulo Bernardo could be rewarded with a first outing towards the Gers, with the returning Reo Hatate more in all likelihood to be worried off the bench.

9RW – Mikey Johnston

The fleet-footed “throwback” – as hailed by using teammate Joe Hart – no doubt deserves a recall to the starting XI following his amazing late cameo on Tuesday afternoon, having sealed a richly-deserved win with two late goals at the death.

With Daizen Maeda having ‘offered nothing’ last time out, according to Football Scotland’s Ryan McDonald, a trade should well be made to the frontline.

10ST – Oh Hyeon-gyu

It may seem a bold choice to make, yet with Kyogo Furhashi looking ‘bereft of confidence’ at the second – as per McDonald – after scoring simply as soon as in his last seven league games, it should be a uncommon threat for Oh to provoke from the start.

A return of five dreams in the league from only three begins is a sturdy tally from the South Korean starlet, with Rodgers – who may want to perhaps unleash Kyogo from the bench – now wanting to rely on a new figurehead in attack.

11LW – Luis Palma

Completing the lineup will no doubt be one-time Rangers target, Luis Palma, with the wideman having but once more been a real weapon last time out – making 11 key passes in total.

With 14 dreams and assists to his name in just 15 Premiership appearances so far, the Honduran dynamo is doing his great to strive and fill the void of that man, Jota.

Celtic’s predicted lineup in full vs Rangers: GK – Hart; RB – A Johnston, CB – Welsh, CB – Scales, LB – Taylor: CDM – McGregor, CM – O’Riley, CM – Bernardo: RW – Johnston, ST – Oh, LW – Palma