Charlie Nicholas has tipped Neil Lennon to make big calls with his squad selection in Saturday's Old Firm derby.

Celtic desperately need a positive result with Rangers 16 points ahead at the top of the table.

The Hoops have been in decent form of late with Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard starting together in a 3-0 win over Hamilton. Nicholas reckons they both must start at Ibrox this weekend.

And he believes the manager may also rely on captain Scott Brown and rookie goalkeeper Conor Hazard.

Speaking in his Daily Express column, ex-Celtic ace Nicholas said: "Celtic need to go across the city, impose themselves and lay down a marker.

"Rangers have had the upper hand in recent Old Firm derbies - even the ones they have lost - and they have caused Celtic problems in the wide areas.  

"That is where Lennon will have a headache when it comes to his starting XI.

"In midfield, I would probably pick Ryan Christie, David Turnbull and Mohamed Elyounoussi, with Callum McGregor behind them.

"But I can see Lennon turning to Scott Brown.

"He has been a big player in these fixtures and although his performances have been on the wane, the captain still has the experience and know-how of derby day.

"He also came up with a strong performance in the Scottish Cup Final. 

"Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard started the last two games and Lennon needs to keep the pair partnered in attack against Rangers.

"Conor Hazard will be in goal and Lennon must do everything in his power to protect the rookie keeper.

"I would go for a back four of Kris Ajer, Nir Bitton, Christopher Jullien and Diego Laxalt."

Nicholas also believes Rangers boss Steven Gerrard will opt for Alfredo Morelos in his XI.