This weekend represents a timely distraction for Celtic who can forget about a host of ongoing sagas and focus on retaining a trophy they brought back to Parkhead last season.

The Hoops are in the midst of finding a new manager while the Bhoys hierarchy are also trying to piece together the rubble from a campaign where they lost the league.

Attention turns to the Scottish Cup again on Sunday as they get ready to face their fiercest rivals.

Celtic drew 1-1 with Rangers just a matter of weeks ago but with the title already sewn up, this match will have a lot more riding on it. Expect some robust tackles and some captivating drama.

John Kennedy’s men will head into this match full of confidence after dispatching Livingston 6-0 last time out. With that in mind, it’s unlikely we’ll see too many changes to the starting XI.

Here’s what we’re predicting...

We’re tipping the interim boss to make just the two changes to his side when they face the Gers this afternoon.

One of those changes happens to be an enforced one. Kennedy revealed late last week that James Forrest is facing a fitness test ahead of the clash.

He’s nursing an injury that will go right to the wire in terms of his selection. He’s a big game player but the Hoops can’t afford to have any passengers for a clash of this magnitude.

As a result, he drops out of the XI with his fitness in question. David Turnbull moves out to the right flank with Ryan Christie returning behind the striker; Odsonne Edouard.

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The only other replacement is at left-back where Diego Laxalt comes in for the £8.2k-per-week Greg Taylor. The Uruguayan has been inconsistent this season but impressed during the last Old Firm derby.

The defender showed plenty in offensive phases of play, completing two dribbles and producing three crosses in an energetic performance. He linked up well with the Celtic attack on that day so deserves another chance to show those qualities today.

Apart from those manoeuvres, Kennedy’s team is unchanged.

AND in other news, Forget Hjelde: Celtic could have their new Ajer in 17 y/o never-seen in the first team...