Preview: Celtic vs. Raith Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Celtic shall be continuing their quest for more silverware on Sunday when they host Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.

The hosts are undefeated in 16 matches across all competitions, meanwhile, the visitors have not won a game since the previous stage of this competition.

Match preview

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Celtic are in rich form heading into Sunday's match, having gone 16 games without a defeat, and that is something they will be hoping to extend against Raith Rovers.

The Hoops have enjoyed some fantastic performances since the turn of the year, with their emphatic 3-0 victory against Rangers having put them to the top of the table recently.

The squad have already picked up one trophy this season, having beaten Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup final, and they will be hoping to add that within this competition.

Celtic defeated Alloa Athletic in the previous round in order to progress with finishes from Giorgos Giakoumakis and Liel Abada earning the 2-1 victory.

However, they were made to work even harder in their most recent outing against Aberdeen, despite taking a two-goal lead, as the Dons drew level, only for Jota to score his second of the game a minute later, and that fighting spirit could be needed in the cup on Sunday.

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The visitors have struggled since the fourth round of the competition, drawing all three of their Scottish Championship games, which is something they have done a lot of this season, sharing the points 11 times so far.

That highlights their ability to fight and stick in games, which could prove to be crucial on Sunday when they face the highest-scoring team in the Scottish top flight.

John McGlynn's team have worked hard so far, defeating Falkirk 2-1 with a late goal coming from Ethan Ross to secure the result, despite the fact they played most of the game with 10 men.

However, they were more dominant in the following stage, with a 3-0 win against Banks O'Dee, although they once again left things late, with two of the finishes taking place after the 90th minute.

Raith Rovers will be hoping to restore some positivity around the club with a cup upset, following the bad press due to signing David Goodwillie, but it will take a mighty effort to secure it.

Team News

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Celtic may use the cup as an opportunity to rest certain members of the squad, with the likes of Gioukamakis and Stephen Welsh potentially being given some more game time.

The Hoops could also welcome back Yosuke Ideguchi, who has been out of action recently with injury, but he has been seen training and Sunday might be an ideal chance to give him some minutes.

Reghan Tumilty will be able to return to the Raith Rovers lineup if selected on Sunday after serving his suspension in the previous round, adding an extra option for the club this time around.

They will be without Tom Lang though, as he suffered an ACL injury in their most recent outing, which will bring an end to his season, meaning a change will be needed at the back.

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Harts; Ralters, Carter-Vickers, Welsh, Taylor; Ideguchi, O'Riley, Bitton; Giakoumakis, Jota, Abada

Raith Rovers possible starting lineup:

MacDonald; Tumilty, Musonda, Benedictus, Dick; Connolly, Matthews, Stanton, Williamson, Ross; Gullan

We say: Celtic 3-0 Raith Rovers

Raith Rovers are having a strong season within their own league, and in this competition so far they have impressed; however, facing the Hoops could be a step too far for them.

Celtic have been in dominant form as of late, firing on all cylinders both offensively and defensively, and this is unlikely to be the game where they slip up.