Celtic welcome fierce rivals Rangers for the first time this season as the two sides do battle in the crucial Scottish Premiership clash at Parkhead this Saturday (kick-off: 12.30pm).
Just three points separate the sides going into the clash following Celtic’s 2-0 defeat at Motherwell in midweek. The third defeat in new head coach Wilfried Nancy’s first five games in charge of the club, a loss in this weekend’s derby feels almost non-negotiable for the Frenchman.
On the opposite side of Glasgow, things are looking up for Danny Rohl and his Rangers charges following back-to-back wins over Motherwell and St Mirren in the last week. However, a win on enemy territory would really up the ante at Ibrox and boost hopes they can provide a genuine title challenge.
Ahead of the game at Parkhead, The Scotsman has all the latest team news:
5. Alistair Johnston - Celtic - OUT
A persistent hamstring injury has severely disputed his season, and the Canadian is expected to be missing until early March after undergoing surgery for the issue. He won't be available for the crunch clash with Rangers. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Sebastian Tounekti - Celtic - ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY
The Tunisian won't be involved in the Old Firm clash after being called up to the AFCON earlier this month. With qualification to the knockout rounds sealed, he could be absent for another three weeks. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Callum Osmand - Celtic - OUT
Like Johnston before him, the Wales youth international has been forced to have surgery on a hamstring issue after tearing it just days on from his goal-scoring debut against Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. Not expected to return until March, according to reports. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Derek Cornelius - Rangers - OUT
The Canadian is eyeing a return to the first team in January, though Saturday's Old Firm derby at Parkhead is likely to come too soon for him after missing several weeks with a muscle problem he picked up on international duty. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group