Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Will Lancaster

Celtic starting team news vs Rangers as Aaron Mooy starts amid Reo Hatate absence

Ange Postecoglou has named his side that could take Celtic 12 points clear of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race - with Aaron Mooy replacing Tomoki Iwata as the Aussie makes one change to his squad.

The Hoops know that a win over their arch rivals will all but seal top spot for the second consecutive season running, with a potential 12-point gap in the pipeline with just seven games to go at full-time. A 2-1 win over Rangers last time out saw the club scoop up their first trophy of the season, and victory here would all but secure a second.

Rangers will be a tough challenge, though. Michael Beale's side have not lost in the league under his guise, and almost beat Celtic back in January but for Kyogo Furuhashi's late equaliser. Celtic know they can pack a punch but it is down to their nous and character to stop the Light Blues from having a sniff of the title. James Forrest, Anthony Ralston and of course, the injured Reo Hatate all miss out on a space in the squad. But there is a return to the starting XI for Mooy after his superb performances in previous Old Firm clashes gives him the nod over Iwata.

Postecoglou said pre-game: "I don't understand so I don't worry about that stuff. As I said, what is important tomorrow is we perform in front of our own supporters and it will be a great atmosphere, that is where our focus lies.

"What we have to face tomorrow is 60,000 of ours. And I am quite happy with that as well.

"Reo hasn't come up but Aaron is fine so from last week, the only change is Aaron's available. It is disappointing for Reo more than anything, he loves playing these games, he's had an impact every time he has. You get disappointed for the player and you want everyone available, but from a team perspective, we have depth in that area."

Celtic XI to face Rangers: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, Mooy, McGregor, O'Riley, Jota, Maeda, Kyogo

Subs: Bain, Haksabanovic, Turnbull, Kobayashi, Oh, Iwata, Bernabei, Welsh, Vata

READ NEXT:

- Leigh Griffiths nets Mandurah City brace as ex-Celtic striker breaks duck in five-goal thriller

- Patrick Roberts on the Celtic bond with Kieran Tierney as he gushes over Parkhead 'privilege'

- Callum McGregor in Celtic 'trust the process' rallying cry as he lays out key factor in Rangers plan

- Andy Walker drops VAR bombshell as he reveals 'easiest way out' conversation on major decision

- Celtic vs Rangers on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Old Firm derby clash

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.