Copyright Yardbarker
It’s the final Glasgow Derby of the season and Celtic, under the leadership of the legendary Martin O’Neill will be looking to secure a first victory over the latest Ibrox club in 2025. The two sides of course met in the final last December and in an incredible game that finished 3-3 after extra time, Celtic won on penalties with Daizen Maeda taking the kick the brought the trophy back to Paradise. A Zombie hack at yesterday’s media conference wanted to call that final a draw to extend the tenth of time since the last Celtic ‘victory’ a thumping 3-0 win in September 2024. He perhaps would have been less eager to reach the same conclusion after theRangers Scottish cup semi-final ‘draw’ against Celtic, even though the club Charles Green founded won the penalty shoot-out that time. He was lucky it wasn’t Big Ange sitting in that chair rather than Martin O’Neill because he’d have roasted him. Celtic Team News Take the team that started against Falkirk and the question marks for any changes are at left-back, with Kieran Tierney available for selection. Martin was mightily impressed by Marcelo Saracchi in midweek but Shaun Maloney may well be whispering something different in his ear. Like KT, Daizen Maeda is also back in contention, he came off the bench for twenty or so minutes in the midweek match and given the trouble he usually causes Tavernier & Co, he’s really got too start. So Martin aided by Shaun’s advice must decide if he plays on the right wing or through the middle and whichever position is selected will mean either Johnny Kenny or James Forrest dropping to the bench. Martin O’Neill also mentioned in his media conference that Kelechi Iheanacho could possibly be available but that seems somewhat optimistic that he could start, so expect the striker to be on the bench. Alistair Johnston will also sit this one out but should be back in a few weeks time. Predicted Celtic Team The second Premier Sports Cup semi-final kicks off at Hampden Park at 2pm on Sunday 2 November. The winners will play St Mirren in the final on Sunday 14 December. Where to Watch The semi-final is exclusively live on Premier Sports in the Britain and Ireland. The match will also be streamed on Celtic TV and will be available to subscribers outside of the two islands mentioned above. Predicted Score Like many Celtic supporters I’m more confident that I was a week ago that we’ll win this semi-final against theRangers, and I reckon the score will be Celtic 2 theRangers 0. Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.
