If there is one phrase that sums up the mood of the Celtic support ahead of Sunday’s trip to Ibrox it is ‘if the real Celtic turn up we’ll win comfortably’.
On form it really shouldn’t be much of a contest as the hoops demonstrated last year and while Graeme Murty has almost made the tribute act competent none of his squad would get near the Celtic bench on Sunday. A bench that is likely to include Patrick Roberts, Scott Sinclair and Charly Musonda with half a dozen injured players watching from the stand.
Finding the real Celtic is the tricky part with the recent matches against Zenit St Petersburg highlighting the issue. At home it was a fantastic controlled performance, in Russia it looked a shambles, a demoralising display.
Celtic bounced back from that set-back to win away to Aberdeen with the domestic form virtually flawless, ask Derek McInnes.
With Sevco now looking like replacing Aberdeen as challengers it’s upto Celtic to treat the Ibrox side the way that they have looked after the Dons over the last two seasons.
Ibrox will be almost bursting with expectation when Willie Collum kicks off on Sunday, a repeat of the last three Ibrox performances will be utterly deflating.
To achieve that there is likely to be a subtle change to the shape that Rodgers deploys- the case for a second striker has been highlighted by Scott Sinclair’s dip in form and Kieran Tierney’s charging runs down the left.
At home to Hearts and Zenit a 4-3-3 formation has provided the midfield muscle needed to be successful- a repeat on Sunday can deliver full points and make the closing stages of the Premiership season as enjoyable as they were last season.
DORUS DE VRIES
Huge game for the Dutchman although he does have prior experience of the fixture from the first 5-1 match last season.
He arrived with quite a billing from Brendan Rodgers but it seems that there is a confidence issue between the keeper and his defenders.
Away to Zenit he had a night to forget but that can be slightly balanced by impressive clean sheets at home to the Russians and away to Aberdeen.
JACK HENDRY
If there is to be a direct replacement for Mikael Lustig then the former Dundee defender is the natural choice.
Cristian Gamboa couldn’t make the bench at home to Morton while Anthony Ralston has only played one 90 minutes since being injured in September.
Hendry is happier in the centre of defence but came on to play at right-back at Pittodrie and will be able to focus on the defensive side of his game on Sunday.
KRIS AJER
The teenager has been the most accomplished and consistent defender since the turn of the year.
As well as ability he has a strong nerve and won’t be overawed by the hysterics coming from the home supporters.
Ajer enjoys the physical side of the game, in the air and on the deck and won’t be shy at pushing forward when the opportunity crops up.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
A massive test for the defender with many supporters far from convinced by his form now that he seems to have overcome his injury problems.
When he is off form it is alarming with no hiding place at Ibrox if he is caught short.
In fairness the highlight of his Celtic career was at Ibrox with that challenge on Kenny Miller- a steady Eddie display would be welcomed.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Will be given a mainly defensive role to start with but will always have scope to go chasing up the left flank.
Even at the age of 20 he has vast experience to call upon and will be well aware of the gaps that James Tavernier can leave as he charges forward.
Tierney can cover a number of roles on the day and would love nothing more than a repeat of his classic goal at Aberdeen!
SCOTT BROWN
The heartbeat of the side will be looking forward to the anger and abuse coming his way- he thrived on it during Celtic’s recent win at Aberdeen.
Away from the showy in-yer-face side of the game he understands the dynamics of this fixture, what is required to get the best out of his team-mates.
Goss and Docherty are getting plenty of publicity for their midfield displays, Broony may just show them that he’ll be bossing this fixture for a while yet.
OLIVIER NTCHAM
This fixture is one that is really built for his game.
Some graft and grind will be required to keep the excitement of the home side down with the Frenchman perfectly capable of that task.
Although the strengths of his game are mainly defensive he is very capable of going forward and will be looking to find the target with his long range shots.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Has been a bit hot and cold over the last few months but during that time he has scored against Bayern Munich, Zenit St Petersburg and even picked up a full Scotland cap.
Brendan Rodgers has real trust in the adaptable midfielder for the bigger fixtures, McGregor is rarely rushed and always comfortable on the ball.
He can provide a link between midfield and attack, filling in spaces that defenders would rather avoid and allowing Celtic to cause maximum damage.
JAMES FORREST
The form bhoy mighty find himself the target of some early industrial challenges.
Collum showed Andy Halliday an early yellow in last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final, it should have been red, but an early warning to the home defenders that they have to stick within the rules would be welcome.
Whether it’s Halliday, Declan John or Lee Wallace Forrest will be a key figure in Celtic’s plans both as a creator and finisher.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
The last time these sides met was a day to forget for the Frenchman amid speculation that he was on his way out the club.
There are only a few more big games left this season, if Dembele wants to achieve his goals he needs to find the net in matches against Sevco.
His headed goals against Aberdeen and Morton were a joy to watch- hopefully they were just markers towards a very powerful and potent end to the season.
ODSONNE EDOUARD
The surprise packet that can upset and trouble a Sevco defence that looks far from secure.
There has been hints of what he is capable of with his link up play with Dembele catching the eye against Morton.
If the French duo can hit it off on Sunday the ingredients are there for a special performance as Rodgers varies slightly from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation towards a 4-3-3.