Trusty To Feature? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers In The Scottish Cup | OneFootball

Despite a blistering start, Rangers failed to protect a two-goal lead last weekend against Celtic, who found an injury-time equaliser at Ibrox. The Hoops also knocked them out of the League Cup semifinal; however, it would be a tricky test for Martin O’Neill’s men, as their Old Firm rivals are set to host them again, this time in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.

Celtic have regained momentum in the Premiership race following a midweek victory over Aberdeen. They have leapfrogged Rangers in the league standings, but are still five points behind leaders Hearts with 9 games remaining. A domestic double is still very much up for grabs for both teams, and it remains to be seen how they react on Sunday afternoon.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers

Defence

Out-of-form Kasper Schmeichel has missed training due to a mysterious illness. The veteran Dane is not expected to return between the sticks, as his understudy Viljami Sinisalo should keep his place, as he has done in the past three outings.

Julian Araujo has been a revelation down the right, cementing a first-team status over Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston amid Alistair Johnston’s injury absence. Auston Trusty is suspended in the league but available for the Cup encounter. The USMNT centre-half should replace Benjamin Arthur and partner with Liam Scales, who must show discipline and composure, having conceded a spotkick against the Dons. Although Marcelo Saracchi has impressed on the left, Kieran Tierney remains the first-choice for his flair and finesse.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 1: Reo Hatate of Celtic takes a penalty during the William Hill Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on March 1, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Midfield

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was taken off at half-time following a disappointing display in his first-ever Old Firm derby. He remained an unused substitute at Pittodrie, and the gaffer should once again rely on Reo Hatate for his injury-time equaliser last Sunday. Benjamin Nygren has been their signing of the season, as the Swedish ace scored the winner against Aberdeen minutes after his introduction from the bench. He could replace Luke McCowan and operate box-to-box alongside the Japanese ‘number 8’. Arne Engels continues to be sidelined with a thigh injury, but the ever-present Callum McGregor would drive the show from the base as a deep-lying playmaker.

Attack

Celtic have struggled up top despite bringing several attackers over the past couple of windows. Yet Sebastian Tounekti could be the only new signing to find a place in the starting XI. The Tunisian must operate from the left, and Daizen Maeda, regardless of his dismal run of form, should get the nod up top over Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu and Kelechi Iheanacho. Hyun-Jun Yang should feature from the right, but James Forrest might get involved at some stage as a ‘super sub’.