Celtic will take on Aberdeen next in the league game after suffering a setback against Kilmarnock where they lost after taking a 1-0 lead. Brendan Rodgers’ men got the job done midweek in the Scottish League Cup as they beat St. Johnstone. However, the pressure is still on the gaffer to get things right in the league as they sit six points adrift from the top spot.
Rodgers would hope that his team can see out this lousy phase and a win against a side which finished second last season would bring a lot of confidence to the Bhoys’ side. Odsonne Edouard has now gone seven games without a goal, and all the Hoops faithful would want him to break his mini goal-scoring drought soon.
Team News
Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer are likely to miss out from this encounter. Ajer started the last game against St. Johnstone but was replaced in the first half due to some problem. Apart from these two centre-halves, Rodgers would have a full squad to choose from for this match.
Celtic’s Predicted Lineup vs Aberdeen
Formation(4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon sat out the midweek game, but the veteran Scottish international is expected to be back in the lineup and would start in goal. Filip Benkovic has done well in the last few games and already seems like a nailed on starter in the starting eleven.
Dedryck Boyata could have been rested but getting back to winning ways in the league is a must, so we don’t expect Rodgers to take many chances at the back, and the Big Belgian would start. Kieran Tierney and Mikael Lustig will reprise their usual full-back roles.
Midfield
Olivier Ntcham missed the last league game against Kilmarnock due to suspension, but he is expected to be back in the starting eleven. The Frenchman put in a hot and cold performance midweek, and Rodgers would hope for a more complete game from his talented midfielder. Scott Brown is likely to partner him in the central midfield area.
Callum McGregor should start down the left and Rodgers would hope that he comes to the game with his shooting boots as he missed some excellent chances midweek. Tom Rogic came on in the last moments against St. Johnstone and looked threatening. The Australian should start in the no.10 role. James Forrest will start down the right flank and the gaffer would hope for a more clinical finishing from his attacking players.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths confidence should be high after he has scored some crucial goals in the last few games. Therefore we believe, starting the more experienced striker will be the right call for Rodgers in this big game.
