Kelechi Iheanacho starts, Arne Engels axed: Celtic predicted XI vs Rangers

Celtic are set to face their biggest game of the season to date on Sunday when they take on Rangers in the Old Firm derby.

The Hoops remain in the title race, and could go top of the division with a victory, depending on Hearts’ result against Motherwell.

On top of this, a win would guarantee Celtic’s place in the Champions League qualifiers next season, while ensuring that Rangers would finish third.

As a result, Martin O’Neill has to get his starting XI right, and should look to recall Kelechi Iheanacho at Celtic Park.

The striker was the hero last weekend at Easter Road and could now be critical to a Celtic victory on Sunday.

Kelechi Iheanacho to return in two Celtic changes vs Rangers

Iheanacho has come to life since his return from injury, with his goals being crucial to keeping the club in the title race.

As a result, his clinical nature could be crucial in the Old Firm derby, and O’Neill will surely push him into the starting XI.

Going into the match, Football Insider believes that O’Neill will stick with the same backline.

Therefore, Viljami Sinisalo remains in goal, Kieran Tierney and Alistair Johnston as the full-backs, and Liam Scales and Auston Trusty making up the centre-back spots.

Into midfield, Arne Engels drops out for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who will partner Callum McGregor in the centre.

Benjamin Nygren remains the attacking midfielder, with Sebastian Tounekti staying on the left wing.

Hyun-Jun Yang falls out of the lineup, with Daizen Maeda moving to the right wing to allow Iheanacho to slot in as the sole striker against Rangers.

Will Iheanacho be at Celtic next season?

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that Celtic will have concerns over whether Iheanacho can stay fit.

The striker missed a good portion of the current campaign through injury, which could damage his hopes regarding the renewal of his contract.

Iheanacho’s deal currently expires in the summer, although the Hoops have the option to extend it by another year.

However, Wyness believes that his injury record will be discussed by the board when looking at this contract, despite the vital goals he is scoring at the moment.

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