Tomas Cvancara returns in five bold Martin O’Neill changes – Celtic predicted XI vs Rangers
Tomas Cvancara could be set to lead the line for Celtic in their Scottish Cup clash away at Rangers on Sunday.
The rangy Czech striker was surprisingly an unused substitute for the 2-2 Scottish Premiership draw that was played out at Ibrox last weekend, despite the Bhoys struggling to hold the ball up top for large parts of the game.
He was recalled to the starting XI for the victory away at Aberdeen in midweek, and now looks primed to keep his place for the upcoming Old Firm clash.
The cup tie is set to provide Martin O’Neill with an opportunity to refresh his group a little, but he will still be desperate to ensure that his team progress and claim the bragging rights in the process.
With that in mind, Football Insider predicts the Celtic XI that will meet Rangers in their latest assignment.
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VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUBMartin O’Neill to make four changes for Scottish Cup derby
Celtic and Rangers are both locked in a tussle with Hearts for the Scottish Premiership title, and after another game in midweek, O’Neill may take the chance to rest some of his regulars.
Liam Scales has consistently played from start to finish in recent weeks, and with Auston Trusty available for selection, now could be the perfect time to throw him back into the fold.
Benjamin Arthur turned in an impressive display at Pittodrie on Wednesday night, and as a result, O’Neill may look to him to partner Trusty at Ibrox this weekend.
Kieran Tierney’s fitness is also a concern, which could see Marcelo Saracchi handed a start at left-back.
Elsewhere in the side, Reo Hatate’s recent improvement should be enough to see him continue alongside Callum McGregor in the middle of the park, with top scorer Benjamin Nygren returning just in front of them.
Veteran winger James Forrest may get a rare start on the right wing, as he rounds off the five changes from O’Neill, while looking to support Cvancara in the final third.
The Celtic boss will be mindful of the way that the first half played out during last weekend’s electrified atmosphere at Ibrox, and it would be a huge surprise if he doesn’t opt for more presence at the top of the pitch this time around.
Kasper Schmeichel may have played his final game for Celtic
Football Insider revealed at the start of January that Celtic are working to replace Kasper Schmeichel this summer, with the veteran goalkeeper’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
His performances have been under heavy scrutiny of late, and although he has missed the last two games through illness, there has been intense pressure from the fanbase for him to be dropped regardless.
Viljami Sinisalo has provided a steady pair of hands in Schmeichel’s absence, and he is expected to start between the posts at Ibrox once again on Sunday.
If the Finnish shot-stopper continues to cement himself as a reliable option for the Bhoys, then it may see him claim the number one spot permanently, and effectively prematurely end Schmeichel’s time at Parkhead.
The 39-year-old is destined to depart in the summer, but he may have already played his final game for Celtic.
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