Celtic v Rangers: Predicted XI with Maeda to start

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | Last updated 5/11/24

Celtic face Rangers this afternoon in the Premiership with the title on the line. The Scottish Champions are three points ahead of the Ibrox side and can put one hand on the trophy with a win but Rangers need a win to keep their title dreams alive.

Brendan Rodgers has a full team to pick from and 9 out of the 11 – with James Forrest, Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn giving the manager a headache in terms of who starts out wide.

Joe Hart will start in goals. The Englishman has made some huge saves in the second half of the season and will need to continue this form when called upon today.

In defence, Celtic vice captain Cameron Carter-Vickers will start alongside Liam Scales in the central pairing with Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor at full back.

The midfield will comprise skipper Callum McGregor, who will sit behind Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate. It will be the first time this midfield has started against Rangers this season.

In attack, Celtic will start with Kyogo. The Japanese striker has seven goals in twelve games against the Ibrox side and will look to add to that today. Brendan needs to decide whether to go for James Forrest, Daizen Maeda or Nicolas Kuhn in the match. You would expect Maeda will come in to play on the left with Kühn starting on the right. Forrest will be then able to come on and influence the game from the bench.

This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

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