Scottish Premiership outfit might not have splashed cash left right and centre but they have done some fine craftsmanship over the course of the summer transfer window in order to beef up their arsenal. Under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, the Hoops have gone for bagging quality rather than enhancing their quantity.
The Glasgow giants have made five signings, namely, Olivier Ntcham, Kundai Benyu, Jonny Hayes, Patrick Roberts and Odsonne Edouard and looking at the names, it isn’t very hard to decipher that they would play an instrumental role in determining whether Celtic manage to keep their territorial supremacy intact and at the same time, attempt to carve a strong footing for themselves in the Champions League.
With a fully fit squad, here is how Rodgers might dish out his starting XI this season
Defence
At the heart of their defence, the duo of Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic should tee up to inject a lot of resilience, and they fetch license to the midfielders in marauding forward to do the necessary damage. They do have Erik Sviatchenko and Kristoffer Ajer in their ranks, with the latter giving testaments of his calibre whenever handed the opportunity.
From the left-back position, the only name that lingers is that of Kieran Tierney, whereas, in the right-back slot, there would be intense competition for bagging a place in the starting setup of Rodgers between Cristian Gamboa and Mikael Lustig, and the latter might be given the nod to start regularly. Craig Gordon, who was once linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge should keep his place as the custodian with the gloves.
Midfield
To be stationed as ahead of the defensive line is the pair of Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham. Ntcham, after his move to the Celtic Park, has really created a lot of buzz with his dazzling performances and with Brown alongside him, they do resemble a formidable package to cushion the backline and to knit the side together. Tom Rogic should be starting regularly as the no.10.
Attack
The Bhoys made a smashing move by bringing Manchester City’s prodigy Patrick Roberts. The winger returned back to the Etihad Stadium after a loan spell of eighteen months at the end of last season, but has once again being signed on loan and should be used regularly on the right-wing.
On the left-wing, Scott Sinclair’s attacking prowess should hand him regular game time on the pitch, and up front, Frenchman Moussa Dembele should be handed the charge of leading Celtic’s attack, although there would be stiff competition from Leigh Griffiths and Edouard.
