Celtic vs Rangers: Predicted Lineup and Team News as Interim Boss O’Neill Targets Title Statement

The Scottish Premiership title race is reaching a fever pitch, and this Sunday afternoon’s clash between Celtic and Rangers at Parkhead is nothing short of a season-defining showdown. With just three games remaining in the campaign, the Hoops sit second in the table with 73 points from 35 matches, while their historic rivals are breathing down their necks in third place on 69 points from the same number of games. A win for Celtic would not only extend the gap over Rangers to seven points but also keep the pressure on league leaders Hearts, who are just four points ahead. For Rangers, a victory is essential to keep their slim title hopes alive and to restore pride in a derby that has often defined their season.

The atmosphere inside Celtic Park is expected to be electric, and interim manager Martin O’Neill has a near-full squad to choose from. After a rocky start to his tenure, O’Neill has steadied the ship with four consecutive league wins, including a gritty 2-1 triumph away at Hibernian on May 3. That result followed home victories against Falkirk (3-1) and St Mirren (1-0), showing a resilience that has been missing for much of the season. Now, with key players returning from injury, Celtic look primed to deliver a statement performance.

Team News: Maeda and Johnston Boost Celtic’s Attack and Defence

The biggest positive for Celtic this week is the return of Daizen Maeda. The Japanese winger has been sidelined with a foot injury since early April, but he has returned to full training and is expected to feature from the start on Sunday. Maeda’s pace and relentless pressing are tailor-made for the intensity of an Old Firm derby, and his ability to stretch the Rangers defence could be the difference-maker. O’Neill confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Maeda is “100% fit and ready to go.”

Another key returnee is Alistair Johnston. The Canadian right-back missed the win over Hibernian due to a minor knock, but he is now fully recovered and likely to reclaim his spot in the starting XI. Johnston’s defensive solidity and overlapping runs provide a vital outlet on the right flank, especially against Rangers’ dangerous left-sided attackers. His presence should also allow Celtic to maintain a high defensive line, which has been a hallmark of O’Neill’s tactical approach.

However, there are still some injury concerns. Liel Abada remains out with a long-term thigh problem, while Mikey Johnston is a doubt after picking up a knock in training. O’Neill is expected to rotate his squad slightly to keep players fresh, but the core of the team that has won four in a row is likely to remain intact. Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate have been instrumental in midfield, and both are expected to start, while striker Kyogo Furuhashi will lead the line after scoring in the 2-1 win over Hibs.

For Rangers, manager Michael Beale faces his own selection headaches. Ryan Jack and Tom Lawrence are both doubts with muscle injuries, while Ben Davies has been ruled out with a hamstring issue. However, the Gers will welcome back James Tavernier after a one-match suspension, which is a huge boost for their attacking threat from set pieces and crosses. Alfredo Morelos is also fit and likely to start, despite ongoing speculation about his future.

Predicted Lineup: How Celtic Will Line Up Against Rangers

Based on recent form, injury returns, and O’Neill’s tactical preferences, here is the predicted starting XI for Celtic in Sunday’s derby:

• Goalkeeper: Joe Hart – The veteran shot-stopper has been a calming presence and will need to be at his best to deny Rangers’ counter-attacks.
• Defence: Alistair Johnston (RB), Cameron Carter-Vickers (CB), Carl Starfelt (CB), Greg Taylor (LB) – This back four has conceded just one goal in the last three league games. Johnston’s return adds much-needed pace.
• Midfield: Reo Hatate (CM), Callum McGregor (CM), Matt O’Riley (CM) – The three-man midfield is the engine room. McGregor will sit deep to screen the defence, while Hatate and O’Riley provide creativity and driving runs.
• Attack: Daizen Maeda (RW), Kyogo Furuhashi (ST), Jota (LW) – This front three is arguably Celtic’s most dangerous. Maeda’s pace on the right, Jota’s trickery on the left, and Kyogo’s movement in the box could cause Rangers’ defence all sorts of problems.

Formation: 4-3-3. O’Neill has preferred this system since taking over, as it allows for high pressing and quick transitions. Expect Celtic to dominate possession early, but they must be wary of Rangers’ threat on the break.

Key tactical battle: The duel between Maeda and Rangers left-back Borna Barisic will be crucial. If Maeda can isolate Barisic and get in behind, Celtic will create plenty of chances. Similarly, Johnston vs. Rangers winger Ryan Kent is a matchup that could decide the game. Johnston’s defensive discipline will be tested against Kent’s dribbling ability.

Expert Analysis: What Celtic Must Do to Win

This is not just a derby; it’s a potential turning point in the season. Celtic have won their last four league games, but the performances have not always been convincing. The 2-1 win at Hibernian, for example, saw them fall behind early before fighting back through goals from Kyogo and O’Riley. Against Rangers, such a slow start could be fatal. O’Neill has stressed the importance of “starting fast and controlling the tempo.”

One area where Celtic must improve is their set-piece defending. Rangers have scored a significant number of goals from corners and free-kicks this season, largely due to the aerial prowess of James Tavernier and Connor Goldson. Celtic’s central defenders, Carter-Vickers and Starfelt, will need to be dominant in the air, while goalkeeper Joe Hart must command his box with authority.

Another factor is the midfield battle. Callum McGregor will be tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball quickly. If Rangers press high, as they often do, McGregor and Hatate must show composure under pressure. O’Riley’s ability to find pockets of space could be the key to unlocking a stubborn Rangers defence that has kept two clean sheets in their last three away games.

From a psychological standpoint, Celtic have the momentum. They are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Rangers at Parkhead, and the home crowd will be a 12th man. However, Rangers are desperate. A loss here would effectively end their title challenge, and they will be motivated by the chance to derail Celtic’s resurgence under O’Neill.

Predictions: Scoreline and Key Moments

Predicting an Old Firm derby is always a risky business, but the form and squad availability point towards a narrow Celtic victory. The return of Maeda and Johnston gives O’Neill the depth he has lacked in recent weeks, and the energy of the home support should push the team over the line.

Score prediction: Celtic 2-1 Rangers.

• First goal: Kyogo Furuhashi to score in the 25th minute after a slick passing move involving O’Riley and Jota.
• Rangers equaliser: James Tavernier to convert a penalty after a handball in the box (50th minute).
• Winning goal: Daizen Maeda to pounce on a defensive error and slot home in the 78th minute, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.

Player to watch: Matt O’Riley. The Danish midfielder has been in sublime form, contributing goals and assists in recent weeks. His vision and passing range could unlock Rangers’ defensive block.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Both Clubs

Sunday’s clash is more than just three points. For Celtic, it is a chance to prove that Martin O’Neill is the right man to lead them forward, and to close the gap on Hearts to just one point with two games remaining. For Rangers, it is a must-win to keep their fading title dream alive and to salvage a season that has been plagued by inconsistency.

With key players returning and the momentum of four straight wins, Celtic enter this derby as slight favourites. But Old Firm games are rarely straightforward. Expect fireworks, drama, and a fiercely contested 90 minutes that could go down to the wire. If Celtic can execute their game plan and harness the energy of the Parkhead crowd, they will take a giant step towards silverware.

One thing is certain: this is a derby that no fan will want to miss.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.