After a goalless stalemate against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership fixture earlier this week, Celtic are due to make a trip to New Douglas Park tomorrow to face Hamilton Academical in their next league fixture. Brendan Rodgers’ men will be going into the game as firm favourites and there is no denying that.
Team News
Kieran Tierney is back in training but might not be rushed into the starting line-up this weekend. Scott Bain is set to return after being ineligible to play against his parent club, Dundee, in the midweek fixture. Meanwhile, Nir Bitton and Jonny Hayes are still sidelined.
Here is how we expect Rodgers to roll out his starting line-up against Martin Canning’s troops.
Goalkeeper
Craig Gordon returned to the starting line-up last week and he is seemingly likely to be handed the gloves yet again this weekend. Although Rodgers has Scott Bain and Dorus de Vries in his ranks, Gordon’s experience of Scottish football is required during the business end of the season.
Defence
Callum McGregor operated as the left-back against Neil McCann’s side in the last league fixture of the Celts and despite the fact that he looked uncomfortable at the back, Rodgers is seemingly likely to use him there once again. Mikael Lustig should take up the right-back slot.
Instead of Jack Hendry, we expect Kristoffer Ajer to carve a place in the starting line-up this weekend at the heart of the back line of the Glasgow giants. Meanwhile, Dedryck Boyata is seemingly likely to be stationed alongside Ajer, although Boyata needs to improve massively.
Midfield
Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong are set to partner each other in the middle of the park yet again. While Brown should offer his leadership and resilience, Armstrong needs to gallop forward to create chances as well as to test opposition’s goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Tom Rogic is likely to operate as the no.10 for the Bhoys. The Australian international is a really cunning attacker and the manner in which he offers his attacking prowess in the final third has the potential to make a substantial impact in the game.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths might get the nod to start up top this weekend to lead the attack of Celtic. The Scottish international needs to return to his full match sharpness and thus, the former Swansea City and Liverpool manager might give him the license to thrive.
From the right flank, James Forrest is expected to make yet another start to stretch the back line of Canning’s side whereas Charly Musonda might be shown the green light to start from the left flank.
