Celtic's Derby Day of Destiny
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


Skipper Callum McGregor and the Bhoys could take a massive step toward the League title


Celtic Park, Glasgow
Saturday, 11 May 2024
12.30 BST

The Hoops have the chance to take a massive step towards a third consecutive Premiership crown this weekend, if they can secure a win over their city rivals at Parkhead.

Put simply, a victory would put the Bhoys 6 points clear and needing just a single point from the two remaining fixtures after this to ensure the title remains at Paradise.

That right there should be all the motivation that Brendan Rodgers and his side need when they step out in front of a packed Celtic Park, and a fully partizan support to roar on the home side.

The Celts appear to be hitting perhaps their best run of form at the time of the season when it counts the most, and another performance and result like the one that saw them emerge 3-0 victors over Hearts last weekend will all but make mathematically certain of the League title.

The Hoops are undefeated in this fixture this season, having won 1-0 back in September, followed by 2-1 victory in December, while last month these sides played out a dramatic 3-3 draw at Ipox.​

Kyogo heads home the first of his two goals in the 3-0 win against Hearts last weekend

Of course, the visitors will not be simply there to make up the numbers and will be determined to make life as difficult as possible, as they know that a share of the spoils is the least that they need if they are to keep their own ambitions alive going into the last couple of games.

The Govan side have had a bit of a wobble since the last time these sides met in that 3-3 draw, with defeat up in Dingwall by Ross County and a draw away at Dundee just before the split proving costly. Since then, wins over St Mirren and Killie have ensured they've not fallen any further off the pace.

If the Hoops do get over the line this season, it may arguably be Brendan Rodgers' most satisfying Premiership success as Hoops' boss, given the troubles the Bhoys have had earlier in the campaign, through transfer sagas and injury nightmares as well as the significant improved standard of the opposition, compared to what he was up against during his first tenure.

Celtic must be properly prepared, fully focused and determined to show that they have the ability, the drive and the bottle to secure what would be a massive three points and a vital leap toward deserving to be called 'Champions of Scotland', once again.


Brendan Rodgers will be looking to add another Glasgow derby success to his resume



By the Numbers​

• Brendan Rodgers has a very impressive record in this fixture, having won 12 of the 16 derbies in total. (P15 W12 D3 L1)

• Celtic are undefeated at home against Sevco since October 2020.

• Kyogo Furuhashi has netted 7 goals in his last 8 appearances against Sevco.

• The visitors have an imposing record in the 23 league games when they have scored first, going on to win 22 times and lost just once.

Daizen Maeda gave Celtic a dream start, scoring after just 20 seconds when these sides last met

Team News

Brendan Rodgers once again appears to have a full squad to choose from ahead of this critical match, and will be looking for the impressive form of veteran James Forrest to continue, while skipper Callum McGregor appeared to be back to his best during the 3-0 win over Hearts, last weekend.

As for Philippe Clement's side, Ryan Jack may be available after featuring against Queens' Park through the week, but Abdallah Sima, Leon Balogun, Connor Goldson, Danilo and Oscar Cortes are all ruled out, while Rabbi Motondo is also a doubt.

Referee: Willie Collum

Despite being Scottish Football's best and most experienced referee by far, it is rather odd that Collum has not been appointed to a league Glasgow derby in over two years, with last season's Scottish Cup Semi-Final being the only time since then that the 45 year old took charge of a match between these sides.

Overall Record
M:92 W:70 D:12 L:10

VAR: Steven McLean



~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 39 W:22 D:7 L:10​

Last 5 Meetings
D W W L W

~~~~ 2022/23 Form ~~~~

All Comps
W W D(w) W D ~ W W W D L

SPFL
W W W D W ~ W W D L D​