Celtic enter the new year in a strong position at the top of the Scottish Premiership and are on course for a 55th league title.
The signs were ominous for the rest of Scotland early in pre-season, with Brendan Rodgers' side embarking on an impressive summer that has seen them compete admirably with some of the best teams on the continent.
Celtic head into Thursday's Old Firm derby 14 points off the top of the division with Rangers more interested in Aberdeen in third place than achieving a miracle title over the second half of the season.
Trips to Ibrox are never simple, but the Hobbs have enjoyed their visits in recent years. A convincing victory at the beginning of the new year could mean the end Rangers President Philip Clement in the home dugout.
Here's how Celtic could line up in the first Old Firm of 2025.
Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel – Talk about smart purchasing. Schmeichel took over the first duties since joining the club at Bosman in the summer and has conceded just four goals in the Scottish Premiership.
Right-back: Alastair Johnston – The reliable right-back has been sidelined since the League Cup Final, but is expected to return to action on Thursday.
Defender: Cameron Carter Vickers – The former Tottenham defender has emerged as an undisputed regular at Celtic Park and has developed into a player who has suddenly been linked with a move to German champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Playmaker: Auston Trusty – the USMNT The international also joined the club in the summer and took over Liam Scales in the depth chart.
LB: Greg Taylor – Taylor's days as Celtic's left-back may be numbered with his contract expiring in the summer. Thursday's game could be one of his last Old Firm appearances.
Midfielder: Paulo Bernardo – The 22-year-old has drifted in and out of Rodgers' squad this season, but the Portugal international has shown plenty of promise in the Celtic engine room. At £3.5m, it looks like an absolute steal.
Midfielder: Callum McGregor – The experienced Scot led the Hoops to victory over Rangers in the League Cup final before Christmas and is set to make his 42nd Old Firm appearance on Thursday.
CM: Ryo Hatate – The Japanese star has bounced back this season after being injured in the 2023/24 campaign, and will be keen to impress at Ibrox after starring in this fixture at the start of his Celtic career.
RW: Nicola Kuhn – The German has made a few signings since arriving from Rapid Vienna a year ago. Cone has enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 season so far, scoring a team-high 13 league goals while proving his value in the league. UEFA Champions Leaguealso.
ST: Kyogo Furuhashi – The Celtic striker has an impressive record in this fixture, with only Henrik Larsson and Kenny Miller having scored more Old Firm goals this century than Kyogo, who has scored eight.
Left wing: Daizen Maeda – The much-loved Japanese striker may not be the most efficient player in front of goal, but he has been a long-time regular in Celtic's side and has once again been close to a mainstay under Rodgers.
