The Old Firm takes center stage at Hampden Park on Sunday as Celtic and Rangers battle for the Scottish League Cup.
Celtic, riding high at the top of the Premiership, are currently unbeaten in the league and have lost just one match in Europe. Brendan Rodgers’ side heads into the derby after a solid performance against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League mid-week, where Celtic held the Croatian club to a goalless draw.
Rangers, however, won’t go down without a fight. Fresh off an impressive Europa League campaign, they’ll aim to retain the title they claimed last year.
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The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Here’s how to watch this Scottish League Cup final in United Kingdom:
TV channel: Premier Sports 1
Live stream: Premier Sports Player
This game is available for live TV broadcast on Premier Sports 1. Streaming options are available on Premier Sports Player.
This Scottish League Cup final takes place at the Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland and kicks off on Sunday, December 15 at 3:30 p.m. local time.
Brendan Rodgers might be tempted to roll with the same squad that impressed in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb, but there’s a concern in defense. Right-back Alistair Johnson is a doubt after picking up a hip niggle in Celtic’s goalless draw.
Upfront, Daizen Maeda’s stunning hat-trick in the 6-0 semifinal win over Aberdeen should team up with Kyogo Furuhashi up front.
Celtic predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Schmeichel (GK) — Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor — Bernardo, McGregor, Hatate — Kuhn, Furuhashi, Maeda.
Injured: Johnson (hip, doubt), Thiago Holm
Suspended: None
Rangers, meanwhile, have some injury concerns. Winger Rabbi Matondo is almost back to full fitness but may only make the bench.
Midfielder Tom Lawrence is still sidelined, and centre-back John Souttar is a major worry after limping off against Spurs.
Rangers predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Butland (GK) —Tavernier, Balogun, Propper, Jefte — Barron, Raskin — Cerny, Diomande, Yilmaz — Igamane
Injured: Lawrence (leg), Kasanwirjo (knee), Matondo (hamstring), Cortes (muscle), Souttar (hamstring).
Suspended: None
Both Celtic and Rangers will be determined to claim the Premier Sports Cup and deliver an early Christmas gift to their supporters. Expect fireworks in this historic Old Firm clash!
However, on paper, it looks one way traffic. Rangers have only beaten Celtic once in last 13 meetings. So, the Bhoys should see this one through.
Prediction: Celtic 3-2 Rangers
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