Celtic predicted lineup vs Rangers - Scottish Premiership | OneFootball

Celtic have entered the new year in an imperious position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership and well on course for a 55th league title.

The signs were ominous for the rest of Scotland as early as pre-season with Brendan Rodgers' side embarking on an impressive summer which saw them admirably compete with some of the continent's best.

Celtic head into Thursday's Old Firm derby 14 points clear at the division's summit with Rangers more concerned with Aberdeen in third as opposed to making a miraculous title tilt during the second half of the season.

Trips to Ibrox are never simple, but the Hoops have enjoyed their visits in recent years. A convincing win to kick off the new year could spell the end for Rangers boss Philippe Clement in the home dugout.

Here's how Celtic could line up for the first Old Firm of 2025.

Celtic predicted lineup vs Rangers (4-3-3)

Celtic are flying high in 2024/24 / Ian MacNicol/GettyImages

GK: Kasper Schmeichel - Talk about astute purchases. Schmeichel has assumed number one duties since joining the club on a Bosman in the summer and conceded just four goals in the Scottish Premiership.

RB: Alistair Johnston - The reliable right-back has been out of action since the League Cup final, but he's expected to be back in action on Thursday.

CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers - The former Tottenham defender has emerged as an undisputed starter at Celtic Park and has developed into a player who's suddenly linked with moves to German champions Bayer Leverkusen.

CB: Auston Trusty - The USMNT international also joined the club in the summer and has usurped Liam Scales in the depth chart.

LB: Greg Taylor - Taylor's days as Celtic starting left-back may be numbered with his contract expiring in the summer. Thursday's bout may be one of his final Old Firm appearances.

CM: Paulo Bernardo - The 22-year-old has drifted in and out of Rodgers' side this term, but the Portuguese international has shown plenty of promise in Celtic's engine room. At £3.5m, he looks like an absolute steal.

CM: Callum McGregor - The experienced Scotsman captained the Hoops to victory over Rangers in the League Cup final before Christmas and is set to make his 42nd Old Firm appearance on Thursday.

CM: Reo Hatate - The Japanese star has bounced back this term after an injury-hit 2023/24, and he'll be keen to impress at Ibrox having starred in this fixture at the start of his Celtic career.

RW: Nicolas Kuhn - The German's been some signing since arriving from Rapid Wien a year ago. Kuhn has enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 thus far, notching a team-high 13 league goal contributions while proving his worth in the Champions League, too.

ST: Kyogo Furuhashi - The Celtic striker has a superb record in this fixture, with only Henrik Larsson and Kenny Miller scoring more Old Firm goals this century than Kyogo, who's scored eight.

LW: Daizen Maeda - The loveable Japanese forward may not be the most efficient operator in front of goal, but he's long been a regular in this Celtic team and has once again been close to a mainstay under Rodgers.