The stage is set for Tomoki Iwata to build upon his eye-catching cameos and help his side towards restoring their nine-point lead over Rangers in the Highlands.
Celtic will assess Aaron Mooy and Reo Hatate after recent knocks. Anthony Ralston and Liel Abada miss out with injuries picked up on international duty. That opens the door for Iwata, who is all systems go after boss Ange Postecoglou clarified the players toiling ahead of the clash with Ross County. The champions are closing in on a second consecutive title and know a win over the Staggies will tee up the chance for a de facto title party against Rangers next weekend.
County have Jack Baldwin and Owura Edwards back from suspension. Jordan Tillson is set to remain out alongside long-term absentees Ben Purrington and Ben Paton as they seek a result that would be mammoth in their bid to beat the drop.
Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.
You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.
Predicted Celtic XI
Provisional Celtic squad
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart
Scott Bain
Defenders
Yuki Kobayashi
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Alexandro Bernabei
Alistair Johnston
Greg Taylor
Stephen Welsh
Carl Starfelt
Midfielders
Tomoki Iwata
Matt O’Riley
Callum McGregor
David Turnbull
Aaron Mooy (doubtful)
Reo Hatate (doubtful)
Forwards
Daizen Maeda
Kyogo Furuhashi
Hyeongyu Oh
Jota
Sead Haksabanovic
