There are few games which capture the imagination in the way Scottish football's marquee fixture does.
Celtic against Rangers need no introduction, however, the opening encounter of the 22/23 Scottish Premiership season appears a pivotal encounter for both. The champions have home advantage and have been in menacing form with five consecutive victories. A win would see them open up a five-point advantage over Gio Van Bronckhorst's men – a good place to be after six games.
But Rangers know they can shift momentum back towards Govan if they emerge victorious in Glasgow's east end. And the Europa League finalists have become specialists in earning signature results when it matters most. Their rousing run to Seville was jam-packed with major scalps, and that welcome habit continued as they outlasted PSV in Champions League qualifying to reach the group stage for the first time in 12 years.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou is parking any talk of Real Madrid with his full focus on their title rivals ahead of the big one on a dreich day at Parkhead. Record Sport runs the rule over how both teams could line up for Saturday's showdown.
Celtic
The Parkhead faithful are rightly buoyant by the strength and depth of their squad, however, it feels as if only one position is truly up for grabs on derby day. That's not to say the likes of Moritz Jenz, Aaron Mooy and David Turnbull haven't impressed, but the fiercest argument is over Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada.
The Israel international's magical hat-trick against Dundee United was top drawer but there's a compelling case the Maeda is the better fit for the visit of Rangers. The Japanese striker is a ball of energy and if he starts on the left, it will likely be double duty. Maeda will provide an attacking spark and also aim to curtail Rangers skipper James Tavernier. The inclusion of the former Yokohama Marinos man would likely see star man Jota move to the right wing. Decision time for Postecoglou.
Rangers
Tom Lawrence's absence is a blow, of course, but there's maybe an argument he wouldn't have been a guaranteed starter for this game. Gio van Bronckhorst is likely to go with John Lundstram and Glen Kamara in the heart of the midfield, and that will allow Malik Tillman to play in behind free-scoring Antonio Colak. Scott Wright is highly admired by the Ibrox coaching staff and he is favourite to get the start on the right wing ahead of Rabbi Matondo. Ryan Kent's place on the opposite flank is nailed on.
There will unlikely be any surprises in the backline, a four of Tavernier, Connor Goldson, James Sands and Borna Barisic appears a certainty. Alfredo Morelos will return and likely start from the bench.
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