Old Firm key battles

Kenny Miller v Dedryck Boyata

With playmaker Harry Forrester injured, top-scorer Martyn Waghorn still short of fitness and wingers Michael O’Halloran and Billy King cup tied, Rangers will have to pin their scoring hopes on veteran frontman Miller. The 36-yearold has had an impressive campaign to date after netting 18 goals in 37 outings. But then again, he has not had to face a defence as tough as the Celtic rearguard this term.

Boyata may be the weakest link in Ronny Deila’s back four, with lapses in concentration a problem for the former Manchester City centreback, but his pace and power will make life difficult for Miller.

Andy Halliday v Scott Brown

Both sides will have a raft of Old Firm debutants but two men who will need little warning about what this clash means are Halliday and Brown. Raised a goal-kick away from Ibrox, boyhood Rangers fan Halliday is sampling his first taste of derby action but knows all about the atmosphere having been a season-ticket holder in his youth.

But it is Celtic skipper Brown who holds the whip hand when it comes to experience. The Scotland midfielder knows what it takes to come out on top in these powder-keg situations. However, we can expect fireworks when these two go head to head.

Rob Kiernan v Leigh Griffiths

Celtic’s chief predator Griffiths is on course for his second player of the year award in four years as the 25-year-old closes in on a 40-goal campaign. Fears he had gone off the boil following a four-game dry spell for club and country were wiped out last Saturday with his brace at Motherwell and he will hope to follow up the goal he struck against Gers in last year’s League Cup semi when the sides meet again at Hampden. The Rangers line-up he will face this time will bare little resemblance to the one beaten 2-0 that day, however. Ibrox defender Kiernan is likely to be the man tasked with shackling the Celtic striker but he is not blessed with rapid speed and could be exposed if Mark Warburton insists on giving full-backs Lee Wallace and James Tavernier free rein.