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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Graeme Young

Predicted Celtic XI as Matt O'Riley and 3 others in line for start after Rangers defeat

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has embraced the building tension this week.

He's compared it to a roller coaster ride, and urged his supporters to revel in the nerve-shredding drama in the race for title glory.

And that kicks in on Sunday.

Ross County remain underdogs, of course, but there are some understandable nerves for those of a Celtic persuasion ahead of a trip to the Highlands.

There's only a three-point gap after Rangers won yesterday but that can be instantly restored to six in Dingwall.

But how will Postecoglou go about it?

It's a safe bet to assume the back five picks itself with Joe Hart, Greg Taylor, Cameron Carter Vickers and Carl Starfelt nailed on starters.

Anthony Ralston has thrived as a utility man and he is a logical choice to replace the injured Josip Juranovic at right-back.

The midfield is where things start to get interesting.

Nir Bitton doesn't play every week but this game seems the perfect fit for him to control the tempo and allow Callum McGregor to move back into his former position as an '8'.

Who else could fill out the midfield? Reo Hatate and Tom Rogic were poor in the defeat to Rangers at Hampden but Matt O'Riley looked good off the bench.

The Denmark U21 international seems a good bet to start but David Turnbull is pushing for extended minutes as he continues to build up to fitness.

Daizen Maeda was his usual bundle of energy but many observers reckon he's more effective working from the left wing.

Jota was below his best at the national stadium but, for all his recent struggles, he never steps trying and might pip Liel Abada to a starting berth on the right.

Kyogo or Giorgos Giakoumakis? The former is working his way back from a long-term injury and the latter is back in the mix after missing the Rangers defeat.

This will come down to Postecoglou's preference but, perhaps, the Japanese international starting before making way for the imposing forward might be the way to go.

Predicted Celtic XI

Ange Postecoglou has many options and what is guaranteed is his bench will be jam-packed with talent if things aren't going to plan in the Highlands.

Outwith Juranovic, it's a full squad packed with internationals to choose from.

Celtic have defeated Ross County in the three previous meetings between the sides this season.

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