Ange Postekoglu’s side could reach an almost unlimited lead with a win at Celtic Park, as that would leave them nine points behind the Rangers with a significantly bigger goal difference in just three games left.
While Rangers must win to keep their title hopes alive, the match comes amid a semi-final for the European Cup, just three days after a 1-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in the first match in Germany before the Ibrox rematch this Thursday.
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Rangers won the last fight of the old company in the semifinals of the Scottish Cup in Hampden just two weeks ago with an own goal by Carl Starfelt in the second half of overtime, securing a 2-1 victory after Scott Arfield canceled the opening of Greg Taylor in normal time.
Celtic have overtaken the league after winning their last two games, coming from behind to win 2-1 at Ibrox last month after a 3-0 win at Celtic Park in February, while Rangers overtook the first game of the season 1-0 at Ibrox in August.
Celtic team news
Celtic midfielder Nir Beaton will return to be available as a boost to the home side’s midfield options. The Israeli national missed the last matches due to a fitness problem, but returned to training on Friday.
However, Celtic suffered a blow in defense, as right-back Josip Juranovic was ruled out due to injury he suffered in the recent defeat for the Scottish Cup by Rangers in Hampden.
Rangers defender Calvin Bassi Celtic Giotto winger in action during the Scottish Cup semi-final in Hampden Park on April 17. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
The main dilemma for choosing Ange Postekoglu focuses on who starts first. With his two main strikers fully matched for the first time, the Celtic boss must decide whether to use Kyogo Furuhashi, or Georgios Giacumakis, or both in the starting lineup.
Rangers team news
Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will evaluate his squad before the trip to Celtic Park.
The Light Blues are in recovery mode after the 1-0 defeat by RB Leipzig in the first match of the semifinals of the Europa League on Thursday night.
After the Germans visit Ibrox on Thursday, Rangers can make sure some players have a rest and make sure they are as fresh as possible for a rare chance to reach the European final.
The Rangers’ ability to attack is again limited, with striker Kemar Ruf (knee) and midfielder Aaron Ramsey (knee tendon) remaining out, while Alfredo Morelos (thigh) and Yannis Hagi (knee) are out of season.
This leaves van Bronckhorst with a difficult decision as to who will play in the middle. Joe Aribo was deployed in the role of a fake nine against RB Leipzig with Fashion Sakala and again Cedric Itten with the other two options.
Probable compositions
Celtic (4-3-3): Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; Hatate, Rogic, C McGregor; Giotto, Furuhashi, Maeda.
Rangers (4-2-3-1): A McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Bassi, Barisic; Kamara, Lundstram; Wright, Arfield, Kent; Sakala.
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