Celtic vs Rangers: Old Firm Derby Showdown
Celtic Seeks Third Consecutive Scottish Premiership Title
Celtic, the reigning champions, are poised to defend their Scottish crown for another season. They are firmly positioned at the top of the table, three points clear of second-placed Rangers. Celtic has secured two consecutive victories since the division into the Championship Group in mid-April, enhancing their prospects of securing a third successive Premiership title.
Rangers' Last Viable Chance to Narrow the Gap
Rangers view this weekend's match as their last viable chance to narrow the gap with their Glasgow adversaries. They have managed to rejuvenate their title pursuit in the last two weeks, securing a 2-1 victory against St Mirren and a resounding 4-1 win against Kilmarnock. However, they face a perilous situation in their Premiership aspirations, as a defeat at Parkhead on Saturday would put them six points adrift from Celtic with only two games left.
Celtic's Premiership-Caliber Record at Celtic Park
Celtic has a Premiership-caliber record at Celtic Park since the beginning of March. They won all three league games at their Glasgow home by an overall score of 9-1, leaving St Johnstone, St. Mirren, and Hearts in their trail.
Strengthening the Offensive Line
Celtic is focused on strengthening their offensive line after a 2023-24 campaign in which midfielder O'Riley leads the Golden Boot race with 14 Premiership goals. They intend to sign Norwich City loanee Adam Idah to a permanent contract in the summer.
Rangers' Unbeaten Record Against Celtic
Despite facing significant injury setbacks throughout the season, Rangers have maintained an unbeaten record against Celtic in their three encounters this term. Moreover, their upcoming opponents have struggled to secure a victory at Celtic Park in their last four visits.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Celtic are nearing full fitness for the upcoming Old Firm derby, with only James McCarthy nursing a hamstring injury. Having made an impressive comeback from an Achilles injury, Callum McGregor will join top scorer O'Riley and Reo Hatate in midfield. There's a debate brewing over who should occupy the flanks for Celtic, with Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn vying with James Forrest for a place alongside Daizen Maeda and Furuhashi in attack.
Rangers are facing defensive issues, as Connor Goldson is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee problem. Ben Davies looks likely to partner John Souttar in central defence for Philippe Clement. It will be his first start since December.
Predicted Celtic XI:
- Hart
- Johnston
- Carter-Vickers
- Scales
- Taylor
- McGregor
- O'Riley
- Hatate
- Kuhn
- Kyogo
- Forrest
Predicted Rangers XI:
- Butland
- Tavernier
- Davies
- Souttar
- Barisic
- Diomande
- Lundstram
- Sterling
- Cantwell
- Silva
- Dessers
Time and Date: 12.30pm BST on Saturday, May 11, 2024
Venue: Parkhead (Celtic Park)
TV Channel and Live Stream: Sky Sports
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