Celtic vs Rangers: Match Preview

Tomorrow afternoon Celtic will take on their bitter rivals in the last game before the winter break. Celtic look to continue their impressive unbeaten streak domestically whilst Rangers will be trying to slow down Celtic's crusade to yet another title.

Both sides have been in impressive form of late with Celtic winning their last 14 matches and Rangers climbing into second winning four and drawing once in their last five matches. Celtic can expect more of a challenge in this match considering they strolled through the previous two meeting this season. The Ibrox side may put up a bigger challenge but still do not seem to have the players to beat Celtic.

Rangers top goal scorer this season is Kenny Miller with just four goals while Celtic have six players with that tally or higher. Celtic currently have Forrest on four, Rogic on six, Armstrong, Griffiths and Dembele on eight and Sinclair leading the team with ten. With the firepower upfront Celtic are also stronger in the midfield and defence. Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko have created quite an impressive partnership in the heart of defence and Scott Brown is having arguably his best season at Celtic in the centre of midfield.

With Tom Rogic out injured, Rodgers biggest pre-match decision may be deciding who will take the Aussies place at Ibrox. Ryan Christie, Callum McGregor and Nir Bitton are the alternatives within the squad and it will be interesting to see which man Rodgers decides to call on.

Ryan Christie has impressed in recent weeks and had a solid outing against Ross County midweek, but may lack the experience needed to land a spot in the team on derby day. Callum McGregor has also been relatively impressive throughout the season and seems to be a player that Rodgers rates very highly. Finally, Nir Bitton - who started in the last derby match- could be utilized alongside Scott Brown in a deeper role with Armstrong occupying the advanced midfield role.

Celtic are coming off the back of a hard-fought victory over Ross County on Wednesday night, while Rangers head into the derby following a 1-1 draw at McDiarmid Park. The results on Wednesday night saw Celtic go 16 points clear with a game and hand meaning a win at Ibrox would give the champions an opportunity to go 22 points clear. Despite being Celtic's 14th win in a row some pundits within the Scottish game think that Celtic's form has dipped in recent weeks.

Admittedly, Celtic have slowed down in the goal department as of late but the recent wins have been a sign of Celtic's quality, showing the ability to win games without playing to the best of their ability.

Score Prediction: Rangers 1-3 Celtic

Predicted Starting Line-Up: Gordon; Izaguirre, Sviatchenko, Simunovic, Lustig; Brown, Bitton, Sinclair, Armstrong, Forrest; Griffiths.