Celtic finally seem to be getting in their groove after a stuttering start to their campaign which saw them bow out from the Champions League qualifiers. Their defence was in question in the earlier part of the season but now they have managed to keep three cleans sheets on a trot and Brendan Rodgers would hope that they can continue their good work when they travel to Paisley 2021 Stadium to take on St. Mirren.
Even though it’s an away game, the Hoops would be heavy favourites and confident of coming out with all three points. St. Mirren have already lost three games this season, and one feels that the Bhoys would be too good for them on the day.
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Jack Hendry is going to be the major absentee from this game but one feels the Hoops are well covered in the defensive department for the time being. There are also some doubts over Jozo Simunovic’s fitness but he is likely to make it to the bench. Mikael Lustig suffered some cramps in the international encounter, but we expect him to be ready in time for this game. Apart from that, Rodgers doesn’t have any concerning injury issues in the squad.
Celtic’s predicted Lineup vs St.Mirren
Formation(4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon would be expected to start in goal for the Hoops. The Scotsman was recently dropped in favour of Rangers keeper Allan McGregor for the national side. Gordon would like to get his confidence back by putting in a commanding performance in between the sticks.
For the central defensive role, we think this game is the right time for Rodgers to hand out a debut for Leicester City loanee Filip Benkovic. The 6ft4inch Croatian is still looking for his first appearance for the Hoops and a clash against St. Mirren would be a good time for Rodgers to introduce him to Scottish football. To partner him, we think the manager should go in with the experienced Dedryck Boyata.
Down the left, Kieran Tierney is a nailed on starter. Mikale Lustig should start down the right side of the defence to complete a solid back four.
Midfield
The duo of Olivier Ntcham and Scott Brown would be raring to go after getting plenty of rest during the international period. They are likely to start in the middle of the park.
The attacking outlet from midfield would be provided by the likes of Scott Sinclair, Tom Rogic and Ryan Christie. Christie hasn’t started any games so far, and the manager has prefered Peter Forrest over him, but we feel the manager should give Christie a run in the team against St. Mirren.
Forward
The goal scoring onus would be on Odsonne Edouard who is going to lead the line for this game. He has to shoulder more goal scoring responsibilities after the departure of Moussa Dembele.
