O'Neill is expected to set Celtic up in their usual 4-3-3, with Callum McGregor dictating from the base of midfield and the wide forwards stretching the Rangers back line. The predicted Celtic XI — Johnstone in goal, a back four of Donovan, Murray, Trusty and Scales, with McGregor and Baur in the double pivot, and Hassan, Nygren and Duran supporting Hogh — has pace, creativity and a clear structure. They will look to dominate possession and pin Rangers deep, using the half-spaces to knife through the lines.

Rangers, under McInnes, are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Ivor Pandur in goal and a back four of Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya and Penrice. The double pivot of Raskin and Neil will try to screen the defence and spring counter-attacks, with Kim Min-su and Gassama providing width and Miovski leading the line. But McInnes is navigating a severe selection crisis — a wave of long-term injuries has left the squad heavily depleted. That could force him into a more conservative approach, sitting deep and looking to hit on the break. The midfield dogfight will be crucial: if McGregor and Baur can win the second balls and keep the pressure on, Rangers will struggle to get out.

Set-pieces could be a factor. Celtic have the height and delivery to cause problems, and Rangers will need to defend corners and free-kicks with absolute concentration. The game state will likely see Celtic with the lion's share of the ball, probing for gaps, while Rangers look to spring Miovski or Kim Min-su in behind. The first goal is massive — if Celtic get it, the crowd will suck the ball into the net.