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WHO WILL BRENDAN RODGERS START AS CELTIC LOOK TO CLINCH THE TITLE?

Brendan Rodgers and those at the club won't have the audacity to say as much, but Celtic all but secured their third consecutive Premiership crown with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rangers at the weekend.


A week of nerves built up to 90 minutes of football, where Celtic came hot out of the blocks and were rewarded when Matt O'Riley opened the scoring ten minutes before the break with an emphatic low drive past Jack Butland.


That lead was swiftly doubled when John Lundstram turned the ball into his own net after some decisive wing-play from Daizen Maeda.


Cyriel Dessers did his best to aid a Rangers resurgence, but Lundstram saw his afternoon go from bad to worse as he received a red card after a VAR check for a wild foul on Alistair Johnston.


It was far from pretty, but all that matters to Brendan Rodgers and his players at this stage of the season is winning, and that mentality will continue tonight in the quest for a result at Rugby Park to seal the league championship.



Here is ACSOM's team prediction for tonight with each player also rated for their Glasgow Derby performance at the weekend:


Joe Hart - 6


Joe Hart had a quiet afternoon on his 700th senior club appearance, with his only real action being to pick the ball out of his own net after Dessers pulled a goal back for Rangers.


The 37-year-old is due to hang up his gloves at the end of the season. There is no doubt that finding an adequate replacement will be a priority for Brendan Rodgers this summer.


Alistair Johnston - 6


The Canadian had a mixed afternoon up against Fábio Silva, who caused the right-back plenty of problems. Johnston had far more joy going forward, where he was instrumental in creating opportunities when Celtic were on the attack.


Lundstram's wild tackle could have ended Johnston's afternoon after 45 minutes, but the tough full-back managed to stay on the park for a further 30 minutes before being replaced by Tony Ralston.


The signs this week point towards Johnston being fit for the challenge of Kilmarnock.


Cameron Carter-Vickers - 7


Carter-Vickers provided a superb diagonal pass for Maeda which led to Celtic's second goal of the afternoon. His vision and pin-point accuracy put Rangers on the back-foot and created alarm in the opposition's defence, which ultimately spooked Lundstram into lashing out at the cross.


The American international was his usual commanding presence at the back and adds an assurance that is sadly lacking when he is missing. Rodgers will be delighted to have his defensive rock back at the heart of the backline, as his one appearance against Kilmarnock this season was the only game where we came away with a victory.


Liam Scales - 6


The Irishman has formed a defensive partnership with Carter-Vickers that has taken us to the cusp of a league and Scottish Cup double.


Having made 42 appearances for Celtic this season, Scales is clearly rated above Nawrocki, Welsh and Lagerbielke. The gaffer will undoubtedly strengthen in this area come the summer, but there is no doubt that Scales earned the new contract he has just signed.


Greg Taylor - 6


As has become the trend, Greg Taylor was targeted aerially, as Rangers sent high balls to Celtic's left for Dujon Sterling to cause the full-back problems.


He improved in the second-half, with Celtic's numerical advantage, and will be looking to win the title on his old stomping ground.



Matt O'Riley - 7


The Danish international had chances aplenty in the first-half as he ran the show in an attacking sense, eventually scoring the goal for all his endeavour.


His rating was knocked down slightly due to the penalty miss, as there is no doubt that a conversion would have eased the nerves around Parkhead.


Callum McGregor - 8


The skipper has the grit required for the derby, and he wasn't afraid to get stuck in throughout a performance where he dominated proceedings.


McGregor's run that resulted in an assist for O'Riley's opener completely changed the dynamic of that attack after Celtic had been patient in possession.


There is a determination in McGregor that will ensure his team's standards do not dip in the final three games of this campaign.


Reo Hatate - 6


Reo Hatate was always available as a passing option but overall he wasn't as involved as his midfield partners.


The Japanese playmaker could hold the key for Celtic tonight, with his eye for a risky pass always dangerous when Kyogo is lurking about.




James Forrest - 7


Forrest looked to have rediscovered his pace as he caused all sorts of problems for Borna Barisic, and showcased intelligent play in the final third when patience was required.


The veteran received a standing ovation as he left the field, as he continued to silence those who doubted him earlier this season.


Kyogo Furuhashi - 6


The Japanese forward should have been on the scoresheet if not for a fantastic Jack Butland save, but he was always a threat even when he wasn't on the ball.


Often on the end of criticism this season, Kyogo seems to have come alive just when Celtic need him.


Daizen Maeda - 7


Maeda was instrumental all afternoon, playing his part in Celtic's second goal of the first-half.


For someone who had just returned from injury, Maeda looked fresh and full of running. His celebration after the second goal sealed his cult status.


James McKenzie // @JamesWHMcKenzie

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