Predicted Celtic XI based on final training session as Palma and Phillips make case plus injured star return

The Hoops travel to their arch rivals for the first time this season and could be armed with new stars

There might be a new look to the Celtic squad on Sunday but Brendan Rodgers will hope it delivers a vital win.

The first Premiership derby of the season takes place at Ibrox this weekend with both sides looking for the ultimate boost to head into September’s international break. It’s been a bumpy start to the campaign at Celtic in the early stages of the Irishman’s second reign, with a Viaplay Cup exit to Kilmarnock and 0-0 home draw with struggling St Johnstone sparking some early nerves.

Transfer business has also proven a source of frustration for some fans but the club made inroads to appeasing this with late deals for Nat Phillips, Luis Palma and Paulo Bernardo. All but the latter were at Lennoxtown for training prior to the derby amid a raft of injuries throughout the squad, although there is an added boost with South Korean striker Oh back in training ahead of the clash. Piece togethering from Friday’s session and recent squad selections, we pick who might be in line to start against Rangers.

Transfer deadline aftermath LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen FC, Hearts and Hibs finalise squads

6 burning Celtic transfer questions remaining after deadline day as Brendan Rodgers admission rings true on recruits

Joe Hart

An obvious pick between the sticks. No new goalkeeper was brought in after all in the window and it leaves the former England goalie as the bonified number one for another six months at least
Alistair Johnston

Not snapped in this session although no news is good news for Celtic fans, in terms of any fears of a injury relapse. Played 60 minutes last week after returning from injury and anything other than a return to where he made his Celtic debut in January would be a shock
Nat Phillips

Straight in at the deep end for the Liverpool loanee. It will be a baptism of fire but needs must in an area of the park depleted in numbers amid Cameron Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki injuries
Gustaf Lagerbielke

The Swede hasn’t had much time to settle in either but he will have another new centre-back partner this weekend if our XI is to go by

Alexandro Bernabei provides the left-back competition for the Scotland star until January after Rodgers didn’t get one of his target areas. So Taylor remains the undisputed star

READ MORE:

‘There is absolutely’: Peter Grant states if Nat Phillips will start for Celtic v Rangers at Ibrox

Peter Grant has backed on-loan Liverpool star Nat Phillips to make his Celtic debut against Rangers on Sunday at Ibrox.

The Bhoys landed Nat Phillips’ signature this week after his loan move from Liverpool – he has signed a deal until January, Andy Robertson issued a four-word response to that move.

It’s the small matter of facing the old enemy today, with Grant stating that there is ‘absolutely no doubt’ Phillips will start at the heart of the defence against Rangers, as he told Go Radio.

During Celtic’s previous outing, it was dropped points at home to St Johnstone, with Gustaf Lagerbielke playing alongside Liam Scales for the injury-hit champions.

At the time, Pat Bonner spoke about the stick Scales got from the fans, with every possibility that if Phillips does start, then it’s the Irishman who will make way.

Nonetheless, as the hours edge closer to the Ibrox showdown, Grant, who is pleased with Phillips’ arrival, is backing him to be thrown straight into the deep end.

Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
“I was delighted Nat Phillips came in because I thought he did tremendous when he was at Liverpool,” said Grant. “He wasn’t expected to do as well as he did, in that period of time.

On if Phillips starts v Rangers: “Yes, I think it will have to be. Absolutely. If he has been training with Liverpool, then there is absolutely no doubt that he will start the match.”

Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images

Welcome to Celtic, Nat Phillips

Whether Phillips starts or not, today’s game is going to be a huge eye-opener for the hard-hitting centre-back.

The Englishman will understand the immense pressure that comes with these games and the heat that can put on you when donning the famous Celtic colous.

Come out on top, and Celtic need to bounce back after previous poor showings, then you can make yourself a hero pretty much straight away