Premiership champions Celtic are putting the finishing touches to their pre-Rangers preparations.
A final training session and Ange Postecoglou will then pick his starting XI for the trip to Ibrox as they know all three points will see them 12 points clear of their rivals. The Australian won't be making title claims, irrespective of the result, but supporters on both sides of the city know the reality if the league leaders win on enemy territory.
Postecoglou has spoken before about the multitude of factors which go into naming his team before games. And there are several posers he will have to address before his selection is marked in stone. The 57-year-old has the best kind of dilemma, of course, as he has to choose between stars thriving for the runaway league leaders. But who will make the cut?
Record Sport runs the rule over the big calls facing the Postecoglou and Co.
Defence
If some expected Josip Juranovic to sit on the sidelines until a money-spinning move materialised then they may be quickly proved incorrect. Croatia's World Cup breakout star was busting a gut at Lennoxtown on Hogmanay and Postecoglou made it clear he's ready to start the man who has Barcelona and Chelsea keeping close tabs on his form. The heart of the defence is set with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt cast-iron starters with Greg Taylor a virtual certainty at left-back. It's not the world's most imposing backline in terms of stature, however, the toughness in tackle and composure in thought is there for all to see.
Midfield
Aaron Mooy was treated to his own version of "Daddy's Cool" at Easter Road but will his rousing display against Hibs lead to start at Ibrox. In many ways, the Australia international is the perfect man for a clash with Rangers, however, Reo Hatate's return to midfield will lead to fierce competition.
Matt O'Riley has been short on goals but he's been an ever-present and skipper Callum McGregor is the first name on the team sheet. Mooy was on it against Hibs as he netted a double but has proven equally adept coming off the bench. A big call but the three regulars appear the favourites to start again.
Attack
Jota not starting a game with Rangers would have been hard to comprehend but amid illness since the return it is could be a possibility. Daizen Maeda doesn't possess the flicks and tricks of his team-mate, however, the Japan international's boundless energy was backed up by a devilment against Hibs which was underlined by his howitzer before half-time. Premiership top scorer Kyogo will lead the line and then it may be down to Jota on the right or Liel Abada. The former Benfica man is better on the left and Abada's knack for catching Borna Barisic sleeping may well lead to him getting the nod. Jota off the bench? Not a bad option if it's how it comes to pass.
Predicted Celtic XI
Postecoglou isn't short of options and after hinting Hatate will move up the pitch then that could leave Mooy with a role from the bench. Giakoumakis hasn't started since the break and is unlikely to do so ahead of Kyogo on Monday.
Provisional Celtic squad
Goalkeepers
- Joe Hart
- Benjamin Siegrist
- Scott Bain
Defenders
- Greg Taylor
- Moritz Jenz
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Alexandro Bernabei
- Carl Starfelt
- Bosun Lawal
- Josip Juranovic
- Alistair Johnston (if paperwork clears)
- Yuki Kobayashi (if paperwork clears)
Midfielders
- Reo Hatate
- Aaron Mooy
- Matt O’Riley
- Callum McGregor
- Oliver Abildgaard
- David Turnbull
Forwards
- Liel Abada
- James Forrest
- Kyogo Furuhashi
- Jota
- Daizen Maeda
- Giorgos Giakoumakis
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