The Old Form Derby is a date most football fans put in their diary. We’ve been deprived of the Glasgow battle in recent years thanks to Rangers’ fall from grace, but they’re back in the big time now and the old enemy, Celtic, are once again opponents on a regular basis.
We’ve already had one meeting between the two teams this season and after the 5-1 drubbing Brendan Rodgers’ men dished out to Mark Warburton’s side, revenge will be on the agenda on Sunday. Celtic and Rangers, of course, meet in League Cup semi-final action at Hampden Park, with the winner due to face either Aberdeen or Championship outfit Morton in the final.
Even though the Gers have been excellent in the competition thus far, we at FFC Towers find it hard to picture anything other than a green and white victory on Sunday. The Bhoys have yet to concede a goal on their route to the semi-finals – albeit they’ve only played twice – while Rangers are still journeying towards being at the same level as their foes.
GK – Craig Gordon
No dramas here. Gordon has revived his career since moving back to Scottish football and his vast experience will be handy in a huge game like this one.
RB - Mikael Lustig
The experienced Swede offers a nice balance of defensive discipline and experience, and should be fine to feature despite playing the entire 90 minutes midweek against Borussia Monchengladbach.
CB – Erik Sviatchenko
There’s always a place for the big Dane, who, as vice captain, is a key man in Rodgers’ plans. He performed well for most of the game against Gladbach during midweek and knows all about how to win in Scottish action.
CB – Jozo Simunovic
Although it may look like Kolo Toure is being dropped out for his horror-show on Wednesday, this is a change with keeping the side fresh in mind. The big Ivorian is not getting any younger, so Simunovic’s mobility and energy will be of use.
LB – Kieran Tierney
Quickly becoming a favourite among the Bhoys faithful, the Isle of Man-born left-back has been excellent over the course of the past year and offers the sort of energy and drive on the overlap Rodgers appreciates.
CM – Scott Brown
The captain will relish the chance to get one over on Rangers again, although he won’t get a chance to reignite his feud with the annexed Joey Barton. Brown’s combative nature and fierce will to win could well be the driving force in silencing Celtic’s bitter rivals, who will be desperate to avenge the 5-1 beating they were on the end of last time.
CM – Nir Bitton
While Brown is the energy and spike in the middle, Bitton is the brains and guile. The Israeli star remains one of the best players in Scottish football, with his 6ft. 5” frame and silky skills making him an opponent many cannot live with.
RM – James Forrest
Taken off with 15 minutes to play on Wednesday, Forrest is in line to feature against Rangers. The winger already has four goals to his name this season and will offer the sort of threat that will pin the Gers full-backs.
LM – Scott Sinclair
Arguably Celtic’s most technically adept player, Sinclair is Rodgers’ go-to guy and has been mightily impressive since his summer arrival from Aston Villa. Cutting in from the left, he’s a real threat.
CAM – Stuart Armstrong
Having sat out the midweek game, Armstrong may come back in to play as the most advanced central midfielder. The former Scotland U-21 star has the physicality and energy needed to get a grip on what will be a fast-paced game.
ST – Moussa Dembele
Fresh from his hat-trick against Rangers in the 5-1 win, Dembele must start. Perhaps Celtic’s best player overall, the young Frenchman is strong and quick, and it’s hard to see the Gers centre-backs keeping him out of the action. Leigh Griffiths remains a bench option and could come on to partner or replace Dembele late on.