Celtic will travel to Hearts on Saturday looking to stretch their unbeaten streak to seven games this season. The Hoops could not get a victory against AEK Athens in the first leg of the Champions League third round tie which could be seen as a minor setback. Brendan Rodgers will now rest some of his first-team players ahead of the second leg and hope that his players can do the job on the day and come away with all three points from Tynecastle Park.
Heart of Midlothian would not be any push-overs and are expected to give Celtic a run for their money. Rodgers is expected to choose a 4-3-3 formation and might make some changes for this Scottish Premiership clash.
4-3-3 Celtic Predicted Lineup To Face Hearts
Defence
Craig Gordon will start in goal for the Glaswegian giants while Scott Bain has to once again settle for a place on the bench. The Scottish shot-stopper might be guarded by a backline of Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer in central defence, while the highly-rated Kieran Tierney operates as the left-back and Cristian Gamboa makes a rare start on the right-hand side of the back four.
Both Mikael Lustig and Jack Hendry may be rested for this clash with a crucial Champions League second leg match versus AEK Athens awaiting them on Tuesday night. Brendan Rodgers would hope that his defenders would be able to put on a solid performance versus Hearts on Saturday so that they have an excellent platform to go on and snatch a victory on the day.
Midfield
The trio of Callum McGregor, Scott Brown and Eboue Kouassi could be deployed in midfield and the performance of these players would be crucial if the Hoops are to break down the Hearts defence this weekend. They will be responsible for pressing high up the pitch and winning the 50-50 challenges against Craig Levein’s side.
Olivier Ntcham might be named on the bench for this encounter as Rodgers looks to rest some of his players ahead of Tuesday night’s match versus AEK Athens.
Attack
The front three would consist of Odsonne Edouard spearheading Rodgers’ attack while Scott Sinclair looks to use his pace and trickery down the left wing. James Forrest might start on the right side of the Bhoys attack in place of Tom Rogic, who could be rested as well.
Edouard has started this season on fire as he registered four goals in 6 appearances for the Hoops so far. He would look to put on a show once again when he laces up his boots to take on the Hearts defenders tomorrow.
