Celtic would turn their attention to the domestic competitions this weekend as they are due to face St. Johnstone at the McDiarmid Park on Saturday in the Scottish Premiership. Brendan Rodgers’ troops, despite their 1-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich at the Celtic Park, did look commendable and there were many positives taken from their outing.
The Hoops, domestically, have made a sound start, having collected 27 points from 11 games in the Premiership and are currently placed at the top of the league table. Here is how we expect Celtic to start against Tommy Wright’s men in their upcoming fixture.
Defence
Erik Sviatchenko and Jozo Simunovic are not yet 100% ready and Rodgers isn’t likely to pencil them straight into the starting line-up, which means that the central defence is expected to be filled by the duo of Nir Bitton and Dedryck Boyata. While Bitton was solid against the Bavarians, it was Boyata’s error which cost the Celts in the Champions League fixture. Nonetheless, he would look better his performances in the upcoming endeavours.
At the right-back slot, Mikael Lustig should be the one starting the proceedings and the left-back spot should be handed to Kieran Tierney, who has been outstanding for the Glasgow based outfit for quite some time now. Domestically, Craig Gordon’s form has been hot-and-cold, but the former Liverpool manager is expected to stick with him and hand him the gloves yet again.
Midfield
It is anticipated that the central midfield would be afforded to the duo comprising of Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong. While Brown has been ever-present for the Bhoys, Olivier Ntcham’s injury is likely to force Rodgers to hand Armstrong a start against the Saints. Tom Rogic’s creative prowess isn’t an unknown intangible and he should be the one to be handed the no.10 role.
Attack
Moussa Dembele started against Bayern Munich and given the availability of Leigh Griffiths, it is anticipated that Rodgers would give the latter the chance to spearhead his side’s attack to put his squad rotation policy into practice. In 10 Premiership appearances, Griffiths has banged 4 goals and he would be keen to up his statistics.
On the left flank, we expect the industry of Scott Sinclair to be seen from the very beginning, for he has undoubtedly been one of the most productive players for his side so far this season. The right flank’s responsibilities are likely to be handed to James Forrest.
