Celtic have just beaten Belgium side Anderlecht 3-0 in midweek in the Champions League. So, they will be full of confidence heading into this weekend’s clash with Hibernian.
Hibs are 4th in the SPL so they should provide some sort of threat for Celtic. However, as the Celts are unbeaten in over 50 domestic games, it is hard to see them losing on Saturday.
Here is how they might line up in order to retain their unbeaten run.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is Celtic’s favourite formation. They used it against Anderlecht midweek and also against Rangers last week. Therefore, as Hibs are 4th and may cause Celtic a few problems, they will likely start out with the 4-2-3-1.
GK: Craig Gordon
Gordon has started every single game for Celtic this season, including cups. So, it’s hard to see him not starting on Saturday. He has also kept four clean sheets in seven league games which shows he is a solid keeper.
RB: Mikael Lustig
Anthony Ralston had been getting a run in the Celtic side at right back. However, in Celtic’s last two games, both of which they won and kept a clean sheet, Lustig has been playing there.
Lustig is much more experienced than Ralston and now Celtic have more options in the centre of defence, Lustig will now likely be Celtic’s main right back for the foreseeable future.
CB: Jozo Simunovic
Simunovic has been decent for Celtic this season and he too played both of Celtic’s last two games in which they kept a clean sheet. So, Rodgers will be keen to keep together a tight defence meaning Simunovic will probably start on Saturday.
CB: Dedryck Boyata
Boyata has not played much this season due to him suffering a knee injury. However, he has recently returned for Celtic and has been very impressive.
His three games back have been Celtic’s last three against Dundee, Rangers and Anderlecht. In all of these games, Celtic kept a clean sheet which shows Boyata is a very key part of the Celtic defence and he should retain his place on Saturday.
LB: Kieran Tierney
Tierney has been Celtic’s main left back so far this season. He has proved to be a solid defender and attacker this season and even managed an assist in the Champions League during the week. He is almost certain to start on Saturday.
CDM: Scott Brown
Scott Brown was subbed off after 70 minutes in midweek with a suspected hamstring injury. However, both Brown and Rodgers are hoping that the injury is not a serious one. Brown is normally Celtic’s captain and if he is fit, he will surely start vs Hibs.
CDM: Oliver Ntcham
Ntcham started for Celtic at CDM against Anderlecht and he put in a good performance, earning an assist in the process. Also, he scored Celtic’s only goal when they beat Partick Thistle earlier in the season which shows he is important to the team and will likely feature vs Hibs.
RM: Patrick Roberts
Roberts has returned to Celtic for another season-long loan. So far, he has impressed once again in just a few games. For example, in Celtic’s game vs Anderlecht, e was one of the goal scorers and then in the Rangers clash, he assisted both Celtic’s goals.
This shows he is a key member of Celtic’s attack and he should start vs Hibs.
CAM: Tom Rogic
Rogic has been in great form in the league for Celtic and Rodgers will want to start him vs Hibs in order for that to continue. In his last league game he scored against Rangers and then in the game before he got a goal and assist showing he is on top form in the SPL for Celtic.
LM: Scott Sinclair
Sinclair was Celtic’s top scorer last season and that form has certainly carried over into the 2017/18 season.
So far, in all competitions, he has played 15, scored 10 and assisted six. A very impressive record and Rodgers will certainly want to play one of his star men on Saturday.
ST: Lee Griffiths
Griffiths has been Celtic’s go to striker this year and that is very likely to continue against Hibs. He has scored seven and assisted six in 14 games for Celtic this season showing how important he is to Celtic’s attack both in the scoring and creating of goals. Therefore, he should start at the weekend.
This is how they might line up:
