Who would have thought that it would be Celtic to finally put Pep Guardiola’s 100% start at Manchester City into bed! The Hoops started their second game of the Champions League group stage as underdogs but shocked the whole Europe by leading the Premier League toppers thrice. Celtic put a neck to neck fight against the Sky Blues and played on the front foot in what was an electrifying Parkhead atmosphere.
Manchester City had the quality to come back into the game as many as three times but Brendan Rodgers needs to be patted on the back for his team’s brave showing.
Celtic will turn their attention towards the Premiership now as they prepare for their seventh game of the season in the domestic league. The Bhoys are at the top of the table convincingly with a four-point lead over Aberdeen that too with a game in hand. The Glasgow side will travel to Dens Park on Saturday to take on struggling Dundee who find themselves ninth and are without a win in their last six games. Rodgers must be careful not to be overconfident, though.
Here is the predicted Celtic lineup against Dundee.
Defence
We expect Craig Gordon to keep his place under the bar after his remarkable showing against Manchester City. Dorus de Vries had his chance between the sticks to replace the Scottish international but has not really been able to do well. Cristian Gamboa could start in the right back position replacing Mikael Lustig who deserves a rest now after playing so many games.
Kolo Toure could be rested for the game too. Jozo Simunovic is likely to make his way to the starting XI replacing the legendary Ivorian and Erik Sviatchenko will partner the Croat at the heart of the defence. Kieran Tierney performed out of his skin against Manchester City proving that he is the next big thing in Scottish football and should retain his place in the left-back position.
Midfield
Scott Brown has played an awful lot of games lately and should be rested against Dundee. We expect Nir Bitton to keep his place in the middle of the park and Callum McGregor is likely to partner him in central midfield.
Tom Rogic will keep his place in the number ten role. In-form Scott Sinclair and James Forrest should keep their respective places on the flanks.
Attack
Rodgers will be in a big dilemma with his centre-forward position. Moussa Dembele was brilliant against Manchester City but Leigh Griffiths is too good to be dropped. However, Dembele has played a lot of games on the bounce since the Rangers win and we expect him to be rested and Griffiths to get a chance to reclaim his number nine position.
