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Zeljeznicar vs. FK Sarajevo
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herz.
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Rivals, The Offbeat Guide To The 92 League Clubs, is one of the best derby books available.
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There's little on the line in terms of league position but try telling the players that when Celtic and Rangers go head-to-head at Celtic Park on Sunday.
One of the fiercest rivalries in world football, Rangers ended their city neighbours' streak of nine successive Scottish Premiership titles by claiming the 2020-21 crown two weeks ago. They will now be looking to maintain their unbeaten record in the league this season in what will be one of the must watch matches among all of the football on TV this weekend.
Steven Gerrard's side have won both previous meetings between these two Scottish giants this season but are playing Thursday night in the Europa League with the score at 1-1 heading into their second leg with Slavia Prague.
Team News
James Tavernier and Ryan Jack are both doubtful ahead of their midweek tie at Ibrox, so are not yet confirmed they'll be available for the Old Firm derby.
Full-back Tavernier has 11 goals and nine assists in the Scottish Premiership this season whilst Jack has started half of their games as the holding midfielder.
Celtic will have gone a fortnight since they last played when these two kick off on Sunday. James Forrest had been a doubt for their trip to Dundee United last time out but should be available to face their rivals this weekend.
That would leave Christopher Jullien as the only absentee for the hosts. The centre-back has been sidelined since the end of 2020.
Odsonne Edouard is the Bhoys' top scorer with 16 goals in the top-flight this season. The striker is supplied by Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor; the two main playmakers in this team.
Caretaker manager John Kennedy will take charge for the hosts and is expected to see the season out whilst Celtic find the long-term successor for Neil Lennon.
Predicted Lineups
Celtic (4-1-3-2): Scott Bain; Jonjoe Kenny; Kristoffer Ajer, Stephen Welsh, Diego Laxalt; Ismaila Soro, Ryan Christie, Scott Brown, Callum McGregor; Leigh Griffiths, Odsonne Edouard
Rangers (4-3-3): Allan McGregor; Nathan Patterson, Connor Goldson, Filip Helander, Borna Barisic; Glen Kamara, Steven Davis, Joe Aribo; Ianis Hagi, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent
Celtic have been playing with a young defence under Kennedy, including Jonjoe Kenny at right-back who joined on loan from Everton at the end of the winter transfer window to replace Jeremie Frimpong. Leigh Griffiths could support Odsonne Edouard up front.
Expect Steven Gerrard to stick to his preferred 4-3-3 formation with Ianis Hagi competing with Kemar Roofe to start down the right of the front three. Teenager Nathan Patterson would likely come in at right-back should James Tavernier not be fit in time.
Prediction
Should Rangers avoid defeat at the weekend then there's every chance they will go the entire 2020-21 Scottish Premiership unbeaten. They are also looking to do the treble over their rivals this campaign.
Their Europa League tie on Thursday is at home to Slavia Prague so there won't be any jetlag, only some fatigue. Gerrard will be hoping there won't be any injuries picked up during the week.
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