Celtic were rocked at Rugby Park on Sunday as a late strike from Stuart Findlay helped Kilmarnock steal all three points from the league champions. Brendan Rodgers’ side are now sixth in the league table, six points behind league leaders Hearts. They would have to turn things around quickly to compete for the title, but this week, they have other commitments in cup competitions.
They travel to McDiarmid Park this week to take on St Johnstone in the quarterfinals of the Scottish League Cup this year. The Saints are fresh from a 5-1 loss to Rangers and have picked up just eight points from their first six league games. Rodgers’ man are favourites to move to the next round in their defence of the League Cup and here is the predicted lineup they might field in this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Jozo Simunovic remains the only injury issue ahead of this game for Celtic. Kristoffer Ajer missed the game at the weekend with a bug but is expected to be back in action for this tie.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
Craig Gordon could be given a break in this cup tie as Scott Bain might get his chance under the bar against St Johnstone. Kristoffer Ajer should be fresh for this game and would start at the heart of the defence alongside Filip Benkovic, who was not in the squad for the game at the weekend.
Kieran Tierney could keep his place on the left flank to add some mettle to the side on that flank. Mikael Lustig could be given a break, as Cristian Gamboa could start at right-back completing Celtic’s backline.
Midfield:
Scott Brown should be given a break in the middle of the park. He should be replaced by Olivier Ntcham, who also missed the loss against Kilmarnock. Ntcham should be partnered with Youssouf Mulumbu, who did not last the whole game at the weekend.
Attack:
Leigh Griffiths scored in vain at the weekend but could be replaced by Odsonne Edouard for this cup tie. Edouard will lead the line while Tom Rogic, who came off the bench in that game, could start in the no.10 role.
Both Michael Johnston and Scott Sinclair could be pushed to the bench. They could be replaced with James Forrest and Callum McGregor on the left and right flank respectively.
Here is how they might line up:
