Ange Postecoglou has named his starting Celtic team to face Rangers at Hampden.
The Hoops go into the clash at the national stadium looking to defend the trophy they won last season and keep their hopes of a domestic Treble alive and kicking. The Scottish champions hold a nine point lead over their Old Firm rival at the Premiership summit while they are also in the Scottish Cup quarter-final stage with a trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts to come.
But all focus is on the blockbuster occasion in Mount Florida this afternoon with Postecoglou bidding to make it back to back successes in the Viaplay Cup. Its a trophy that he holds close to his heart after it was his first as Celtic boss last season. Like the Hoops, Rangers arrive in the south side in top form having yet to taste defeat under Michael Beale. The current unbeaten run extends slightly beyond his tenure but something will need to give between the two sides this afternoon.
READ MORE: We simulated Rangers vs Celtic to get a score prediction for Viaplay Cup Final with dramatic outcome
Speaking ahead of facing Rangers, Postecoglou said: “Winning this competition last year was important.
“It’s fair to say we had a rough start early doors in Europe and in the league. And by the time the cup final came round we steadied the ship. Even at that stage people were supportive. The supporters understood that we weren’t quite there, but they could see the direction in which we were going.
“The players were beginning to embrace the way we wanted to play, too. But there’s no doubt winning something so early accelerates that process, particularly in terms of belief within the players and the staff.
“It allowed everyone to buy in — players, staff and our supporters — that there is something tangible building here. It’s not just words or something abstract. We have seen it and we have had success. And then the players think they don’t want to miss out and they really buy into the way you want to train and to play.
“Domestically the players have been fantastic at making sure we are constantly pushing the envelope in terms of how good we can be.”
CELTIC XI: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Mooy, Hatate, Jota, Maeda, Kyogo
Subs: Bain, Haksabanovic, Abada, Turnbull, Kobayashi, Oh, Iwata, O'Riley, Ralston
READ NEXT:
- Neil McCann delivers Rangers vs Celtic verdict with 'endurance' highlighted as key at Hampden
- Kenny Miller names THREE Rangers stars who would start for Celtic - but no Kent or Tillman
- Amad Diallo scores stunner but ex-Rangers loanee can't help Sunderland avoid blow in play-off hunt
- Todd Cantwell ready for Rangers vs Celtic as he fires three word social media rally cry
