Predicted Celtic Team for today’s Glasgow Derby against the Rangers

My preferred Celtic XI for today’s Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park against the Rangers…

Picking a side for today’s all important Glasgow Derby is on the forefront of Celtic supporters’ minds this morning as we await the official team announcement 75 minutes before the 12 Noon kick-off.

After slumping to two damaging defeats in the space of four days, it’s imperative that Martin O’Neill picks the right side and formation for a game of this magnitude.

I’d personally go for a 3-5-2, which is what we are crying out for, as its a system of that suits our players strengths. And if we are on the front foot then this will chance to a 3-4-3 as Benjamin Nygren pushes forward to assist the front two of Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran.

First up in goals is an easy one, and it’s Viljami Sinisalo who with the power of hindsight should have started at Ibrox last week. The Finn has the experienced required for this fixture, and more importantly he hasn’t really put a foot wrong since he’s been installed as number one.

A back three consisting of Cameron Carter Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Liam Scales would be my preferred central defensive line up.

Both CCV and Trusty are great physical presences, and Liam Scales despite his shaky performance against Ferencvaros is still a player for the big occasions, especially Glasgow Derby games.

The trio would also be handy in the opposition box when it comes to set pieces and I fancy Celtic to get a goal from one of these three from a set play.

The wing back selection is an easy one, with Colby Donovan on the right and Kieran Tierney on the left. Both players are fully committed to the cause as they know what the occasion means being Celtic supporters, but more importantly their combined ability of defending and going forward makes them the perfect fit for the wing back berths.

Moving onto my midfield trio, and I’d go for a combination of Callum McGregor, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Benjamin Nygren.

Both Callum and the OX could control proceedings in the middle due to the stack of experience they both posses, whilst also providing a great creative outlet, leaving Benjamin Nygren to provide the goal threat from the middle of the park.

That would be tough on Mika Baur but for the physical battle bringing in the experience and fresh Ox makes sense and we also need Nygren for his goal threat, playing in his best position as a number ten.

Up front is an easy choice, with a front two of Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh the preferred and most obvious option.

Both players excel at being the main strikers, and with Camilo being something of a workhorse, and Kasper being a poacher, they have the potential to be a very successful partnership.

It almost certainly won’t happen, but for me that’s the formation and personnel that we should be utilising in a bid to finish the game eight points clear of the Ibrox side.

My own preferred Celtic XI for today’s Glasgow Derby is as follows…

Viljami Sinisalo

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales

Colby Donovan, Callum McGregor, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Kieran Tierney

Benjamin Nygren

Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran