Celtic have entered the new year in a commanding position at the top of the Scottish Premiership and on course for their 55th league title.
The signs were ominous for the rest of Scotland as early as pre-season, when Brendan Rodgers’ side embarked on an impressive summer in which they competed admirably with some of the best on the continent.
Celtic head into Thursday’s Previous Agency derby 14 points clear at the top of the division, with Rangers more concerned about Aberdeen in third than achieving a miraculous title win during the second half of the season.
Trips to Ibrox are never easy, but the Hoops have enjoyed their visits in recent years. A convincing victory to start the new year could spell the end for Rangers manager Philippe Clement in the local dugout.
Here’s how Celtic could line up for the first Previous Agency of 2025.
Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel – Talk about smart shopping. Schmeichel has taken on number one duties since joining the club from Bosman in the summer and has only conceded four goals in the Scottish Premiership.
RB: Alistair Johnston – The reliable right-back has been out of action since the League Cup final but is expected to return to action on Thursday.
CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers – The former Tottenham defender has become an undisputed starter at Celtic Park and has become a player suddenly being linked with moves to German champions Bayer Leverkusen.
CB: Auston reliable – The USMNT international also joined the club in the summer and usurped Liam Scales on the roster.
LI: Greg Taylor – Taylor’s days as Celtic’s starting left-back may be numbered as his contract expires in the summer. Thursday’s fight may be one of his last appearances at Previous Agency.
CM: Paulo Bernardo – The 22-year-old has been in and out of Rodgers’ team this season, but the Portugal international has shown great promise in Celtic’s engine room. At £3.5m, it looks like a real bargain.
CM: Callum McGregor – The experienced Scot captained the Hoops to victory over Rangers in the League Cup final before Christmas and will make his 42nd appearance at Previous Agency on Thursday.
CM: Reo Hatate- The Japanese star has bounced back this season after an injury-marred 2023/24 season, and will be keen to impress at Ibrox having starred in this match at the start of his Celtic career.
Or: Nicolas Kuhn – The German has been signing since he arrived from Speedy Vienna a year ago. Kuhn has enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 season so far, making a team-high 13 league goal contributions while also proving his worth in the Champions League.
EST: Kyogo Furuhashi – The Celtic striker has an excellent record in this match, with only Henrik Larsson and Kenny Miller having scored more Previous Agency goals this century than Kyogo, who has scored eight.
LM: Daizen Maeda – The cute Japanese striker may not be the most efficient operator in front of goal, but he has long been a fixture in this Celtic team and has once again been close to a pillar under Rodgers.
