Carter-Vickers To Return? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers In The League Cup

Despite the absence of travelling support at Ibrox after on-pitch clashes between fans during their Scottish Cup encounter in March, high-flying Celtic head into Sunday’s League Cup quarter-final aiming to silence the home crowd and secure another derby win over Old Firm rivals Rangers.

The Hoops come into this tie in formidable domestic form, maintaining a relentless winning streak and showing the quality that has kept them at the top of Scottish football. While the Gers have steadied the ship after a dreadful start to their campaign under Derek McInnes, the squad depth and overall quality make Martin O’Neill’s men the stronger side. Even in a hostile, one-sided atmosphere, they must focus on dominating the match and carrying the momentum into the semi-finals.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers

Defence

Sam Johnstone was handed a surprise start on Wednesday night against St Johnstone. The Wolves loanee grabbed a clean sheet on his debut, but the gaffer should restore Viljami Sinisalo, who has hardly put a foot wrong since being promoted as the first-choice custodian earlier this year.

PAISLEY, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 05: Haissem Hassan of Celtic runs with the ball under pressure from Nikolas Agrafiotis of St. Mirren during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between St. Mirren and Celtic at St Mirren Park on September 05, 2026 in Paisley, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

With Alistair Johnston sidelined with a hamstring strain, Colby Donovan is expected to keep his right-back spot ahead of the experienced Anthony Ralston and the summer recruit Jordan Lotomba. The USMNT ace Cameron Carter-Vickers missed the Saints’ tie due to minor soreness and fatigue, but should reclaim his starting slot, replacing Dane Murray. Auston Trusty, his fellow compatriot, must feature again in deep defence; however, Kieran Tierney’s availability could see Liam Scales lose his place down the left.

Midfield

Skipper Callum McGregor’s experience and expertise would be crucial in controlling the tempo deep down the midfield. Mika Baur should get the nod over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel van den Berg following his decisive midweek goal. But the manager must bring Benjamin Nygren back to his preferred ‘number 10’ position after deploying him from the bench at McDiarmid Park. Oliver Sorensen would make way for the Swedish playmaker, with Luke McCowan now slipping further down the pecking order.

Haissem Hassan set it up for Baur against the Saints, and must exhibit his flair and finesse from the right-hand flank this weekend. Sebastian Tounekti might get dropped in favour of Camilo Duran, as the high-flying Colombian has depicted his creative spark across the frontline. With Hyun-Jun Yang unavailable for international duties, James Forrest and Tounekti could be introduced as second-half substitutes.

Fit-again Kasper Hogh has not scored since his hat-trick against Kilmarnock in the second gameweek. But the Danish hitman would threaten the Gers with his movement and poaching traits in and around the box. Shumaira Mheuka, loaned in from Chelsea, could play a part as his understudy amid Callum Osmand’s injury.