The Old Firm derby between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. is one of the most widely contested rivalries in the world of football. The two teams with rich histories and stiff competition go head to head in the Scottish Premiership and other major tournaments, and fans across the globe will be on the line for every subsequent game between them. The Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. lineups, along with various match predictions, team news, live scores, as well as a comprehensive preview of what is in store for the encounter.
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Lineups
Lineups on matchdays are the focal point of any football game, and expectations upon Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. lineups have always brought much debate and excitement. Below, we dissect the most probable starting XI for each side based on recent form, injury list, and tactics.
Celtic F.C. Predicted Lineup
Normally, the Celtic manager goes for a very attacking 4-3-3 and plays his game down the wings with pace and tries to control the midfield. Here is the possible lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
- Defenders: Anthony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, Greg Taylor
- Midfielders: Callum McGregor (Captain), Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley
- Forwards: Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota
Predicted line up of Rangers F.C.
Rangers under their gaffer often go for a well-balanced 4-2-3-1 structure that gives solidity on defense and can break free for creativity on attack. Here’s the prediction:
- Goalkeeper: Jack Butland
- Defenders: James Tavernier (Captain), Connor Goldson, Ben Davies, Borna Barišić
- Midfielders: Ryan Jack, John Lundstram, Todd Cantwell
- Forwards: Rabbi Matondo, Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Prediction
A derby game between Old Firm will never be straightforward to predict as things always tend to go wrong during such matches, yet for this tie, the two teams do come in with full of momentum, so their recent form will play a crucial role in what may be a very unpredictable end.
Celtic Last Games: Celtic have been in top form in the Scottish Premiership. The club has been on top of the league, and of course, Celtic’s attack has really been great all through this season. In addition, the team’s defense is amazing as they hardly concede a few goals.
Rangers Last Games: Rangers have also been in fantastic form. The team has evenly covered Celtic in points and goals, but Rangers’ strength and effort to get a result have seen them feature in the title race.
Forecast: It will be a tight contest, with both teams showing technical quality at all points of the pitch. It might just 2-2, but either side could nick it at the end.
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Team News
Every major event lies in the latest team news for the formation of line-ups and strategies. The reflection of the latest team news for both teams follows:
Celtic F.C. Team News
- Injuries: The Hoops are also going to lose a key defender; Cameron Carter-Vickers, who is out due to injury, will miss this game. It would mean losing some solidity but have ample quality to replace him.
- Suspensions: There are no suspensions that could affect the manager’s options at this moment. Therefore, the full strength of manager Ange Postecoglou will be available.
- Key Players: Only Kyogo Furuhashi is likely to pose a threat from the sides for Celtic and can prove quite havoc with his pace and final ball into the box.
Rangers F.C. Team News
- Injuries: Rangers have a couple of long-term injuries, to forward Tom Lawrence and midfielder Steven Davis.
- Suspensions: Unlike Celtic, Rangers do not have any big suspensions coming in ahead of the league game.
- Key Players: James Tavernier remains the talisman for Rangers; his leadership and goal-scoring ability from the right-back position has been substantial for making them what they are.
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Live Score
Fans keen on Celtic F.C. v Rangers F.C. live score will follow several platforms for real-time upshots. The updates will include the score, substitutions, cards, and minute-by-minute action. LIVE SCORE Follow websites for Live Score:
- BBC Sport: Live text commentary with post-match analysis.
- Sky Sports: Updated stats, player ratings, and tactical analysis.
- FlashScore: Rapid score updates, possession stats, and even more detailed play-by-play action.
The fans can follow the official social media accounts of both clubs for updates during the match.
Preview of Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C.
It is not just another match: the first-ever meeting between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. before their scheduled game. This derives from the almost unique historic contention in world football, which reflects a tradition that often goes beyond the scope of the game itself. The Old Firm matches between these two Glasgow-based teams are famed for their intensity and also happen to be among the most-watched derbies around the world. So, let’s dive deeper into what awaits:
Tactical Approach of Celtic
Celtic have, under their current manager, actually adopted a very high press throughout the game and are looking to exert control and dictate the flow of play through swift attacks. Their midfield trio, with club captain Callum McGregor, will be able to dictate the game’s rhythm more fundamentally.
Of course, for all of this, reserve wingers Jota and Maeda will try to get down their full-backs’ channels with bursts of pace.
Rangers’ Tactical Approach
On the contrary, Rangers are more likely to play more sedately, yet with an efficient defense and quick counterattacks. Their manager, Michael Beale, often relies on James Tavernier to push forward from the back while offering creativity and stability in midfield from Cantwell and Lundstram.
Key Battles to Watch
- Kyogo Furuhashi vs Connor Goldson- Celtic can create chaos by spreading across the pitch, and Kyogo can use his pace to get out and stretch the Gers’ defence. Goldson will have to work hard to contain him.
- James Tavernier vs Daizen Maeda: This was the most critical battle on the flank. On several occasions, Tavernier’s attacking runs left space for Maeda to exploit, and he quite adequately did so in several instances.
Conclusion
All information concerning Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. lineups, prediction, team news, live score, and match preview underlines the battle that will write a new chapter in one of the fiercest rivalries in football. With great players and tactical strategists leading them, both teams promise to play an extremely competitive and high-quality game, irrespective of whether you are on the side of Celtic or Rangers.
Get live scores and absorb the thunderous atmosphere only a Day-Old Firm derby can deliver.
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