Celtic team v Rangers: Callum McGregor's mask, inbound flights and Jota - here's how Ange Postecoglou could line-up

It’s a crucial game in the cinch Premiership title race as Ange Postecoglou welcomes Old Firm rivals Rangers for the top of the table encounter.

Neither side can claim to be at full strength owing to international call-ups but, nevertheless, Wednesday is one of those days most keenly anticipated in the Scottish football calendar.

Rangers will be without high-profile new signing Aaron Ramsey while Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor have been missing for Celtic recently – but the manager has been coy on his options, and both Tom Rogic and Daizen Madea had even been touted for a flying trip back for the game.

The standings are finely balanced and a win for the home side would instigate a change at the top – but Celtic, having closed the gap from six, to four, to two points in recent weeks will be out to avoid the that sort of status being restored come 10pm on Wednesday evening.

We look at the key areas of Ange Postecoglou's line-up for his first home Old Firm encounter.

Callum McGregor suffered a ‘significant’ injury in the Scottish Cup battle at Alloa which saw Celtic emerge with several injuries despite the cup progress. McGregor was one of them but, given the gravity of this encounter and the potential ramifications on the title-race, the captain could step up and play in a protective mask.

The would bring about a huge boost for Ange Postecoglou and, joined by new boys Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate in the centre of the pitch, will cover the suspension of Nir Bitton.

Celtic could have up to seven players making their first Old Firm derby appearance – with so many debutants, is it a good or bad thing? McGregor has vast knowledge of this game, but after a season full of disappointment for Celtic against their old rivals