Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic side to face Rangers as 2023 kicks-off with a blockbuster Old Firm derby.
The Hoops go into this one nine points clear of the Light Blues in the Premiership standings and they can take a huge step towards back-to-back league title successes with victory at Ibrox which would extend their lead at the summit to a massive 12 points. It's been a relentless return from the World Cup shutdown for the champions with four wins from four including a 4-0 success on the road over Hibs last time out.
However, they face a different Rangers, who also boast a 100 per cent record following the top flight return. Michael Beale is also a fresh face in the dugout having replaced the axed Giovanni van Bronckhorst. It is a derby debut as the main man for the new boss but he is no stranger to the big occasion having been part of his fair share while No2 at the club during Steven Gerrard's reign.
READ MORE: We simulated Rangers vs Celtic to get a score prediction for Old Firm derby clash at Ibrox
Speaking ahead of this one, Postecoglou said: "Cracking game! It's one of the biggest games on the world football calendar.
"Not just in Scotland, but everyone around the world knows Celtic vs Rangers at any time of year is a special one, but especially around the new year time.
"I'm looking forward to it, it should be a great atmosphere, they're up and running, they've had some good form so it should be a good game."
"They've changed slightly in terms of their shape. Obviously, Michael hasn't had a chance to change personnel too much yet, but whenever you get a new manager there's a new energy within the building and you can see that in the first three or four games he's been in charge."
CELTIC XI: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, O'Riley, Forrest, Maeda, Kyogo
Subs: Bain, Giakoumakis, Abada, Mooy, Jota, Kobayashi, Bernabei, Abildgaard, Juranovic
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