Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic will shift their focus back to Premiership in the midweek as the Hoops will travel to the Highlands to face Ross County tonight. With Aberdeen losing against Hamilton Academical on Tuesday night, the Bhoys have a good opportunity to build on their lead at the top of the table.
Rodgers will demand a solid display from his boys to keep up their unbeaten record in the League. Seventh-placed Ross County should not be too much of a problem for the Hoops but with 16 games in the coming nine weeks, Rodgers is likely to ring a host of changes to the starting XI tonight.
Ross County are without a win in their last six games but have drawn four of them and Celtic might find it hard to break down their solid defence. Rodgers has to ensure that Jim McIntyre’s side cannot come up with an upset on Wednesday night.
The Bhoys will be high on momentum after their 0-1 win over Rangers on Sunday in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup. The Glasgow giants have a solid record against the Highlands’ side winning six of their last 10 games against them and Rodgers will be looking for that good run to continue.
Team news
Ross County
Jim McIntyre does not have any fresh injury concerns for the game and will be fielding his strongest possible XI against the mighty Hoops. Striker Liam Boyce still missing with a knee injury. Midfielder Tim Chow completes a two-match ban for the hosts.
Celtic
Rodgers has a fully fit squad to choose from and we expect to see a number of rotations in the Celtic team. The likes of Leigh Griffiths, Cristian Gamboa, Stuart Armstrong, and Callum McGregor are all pushing for starts.
Predicted lineups
Ross County (4-4-1-1): Fox; Fraser, Quinn, Davies, van der Weg; Schalk, McShane, Woods, Gardyne; Dow; Curran
Celtic (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Gamboa, Toure, Simunovic, Izaguirre; Bitton, McGregor; Roberts, Armstrong, Sinclair; Griffiths
Key players
Ross County: Martin Woods
The 30-year-old experienced central midfielder will be the key player for the Staggies in the game. With his experience, passing abilities and tireless running, the midfielder will be looking to stamp his control in the middle of the park against Celtic.
Celtic: Leigh Griffiths
The Scottish international forward is likely to get his first start for the Hoops since his comeback from injury and will be looking to impress in the game to get his place back. Moussa Dembele has done an excellent job in his absence and now is the first-choice of the manager and 40-goal getter from last season, Griffiths will be looking to change that.
Odds
Ross County win @11
Draw @5
Celtic win @2/9
