Celtic are runaway league leaders in the Scottish Premiership, with 58 points, having played a game less than second-placed Rangers in the league table. However, on Sunday, the Bhoys face a different opposition in a different competition. Albion Rovers host Celtic at the Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium for the fourth round of the Scottish Cup in a match that promises to be an epic encounter between the League One and Scottish Premiership side, respectively.
Albion Rovers don’t have a good track record against the Celts, having lost 5-0 in two of their last meetings in 1972 and 1976 in Scottish Cup and League Cup, respective. Things have, however, changed now and both these sides are likely to field a strong side to ensure that they go beyond the fourth round in their quest of bagging this prestigious silverware. Here is our predicted Celtic line-up to face Albion Rovers.
Defence
It is likely to see Brendan Rodgers most of his regular players to get back in the scheme of things after the winter break. Dorus de Vries is likely to be the handed the gloves ahead of Craig Gordon, who hasn’t had much to do in the domestic league. De Vries will get a game under his belt and frankly speaking, with the form Celtic are in, this job might not be a tough one.
The backline will likely see four men, namely, Emilio Izaguirre, Erik Sviatchenko, Jozo Simunovic and Christian Gamboa being stationed by Rodgers. Left-back Kieran Tierney is returning from an injury and it is unlikely that the manager will push him into the starting lineup. Sviatchenko and Simunovic have been resilient at the heart of the defence and in an important fixture like this; it is unlikely that they will be replaced.
Midfield
Celtic will most likely enter the game with a 4-2-3-1 formation, and the scenario seems to be perfect for Tom Rogic to make an impact after coming from the attacking midfield zone behind the striker. Liam Henderson and Scott Brown are likely to partner each other in the central midfield, with the duo of James Forrest and Scott Brown on the wings.
Attack
Moussa Dembele might be used as the lone striker up front to regain his flamboyance. He had a dip in form prior to the winter break and Rodgers might cash on him against Rovers to get the wheels back on the rail once again. And obviously, he can keep Celtic’s aspirations for a treble.
