Celtic have to make two big trips to Pittodrie and Ibrox next as they try to establish their supremacy on the top of the table. They lead the Premiership by one point, but a positive result against their two major title rivals could once again show that they are still the boss in Scotland.
Aberdeen are on a good run of form as they have managed four wins in the last five games but playing the Hoops would definitely be their toughest assignment in the last month or so. A win for the away side in this game would make them more confident of a victory at Ibrox next.
Team News
Michael Johnston has impressed in the few games he got to start up top but Odsonne Edouard is expected to be fit for this tie and he can straightaway comeback in the lineup. Kieran Tierney didn’t play the last two games, but he is also likely to start as confirmed (Herald Scotland) by Rodgers. Eboue Kouassi and Daniel Arzani are long-term absentees. Dedryck Boyata is closing in on a return and has a chance to make the starting eleven.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Aberdeen
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon is set to be back in goal after Scott Bain played the weekend game against Dundee. Rodgers should go with the defensive pair of Jozo Simunovic and Filip Benkovic for this game as well. Dedryck Boyata could find himself on the bench, and the club should preserve him for the Old Firm Derby by not rushing him into playing.
Mikael Lustig is likely to start as a right back after missing out the last few games due to a concussion. Kieran Tierney is set to feature in his usual left back spot.
Midfield
Rodgers has a decision to make regarding Scott Brown, but we feel he should go in with the more dynamic Olivier Ntcham to start in this tie. Callum McGregor is a nailed on starter in midfield, and he is thriving in a slightly deeper role in the past few months.
Ryan Christie was in the form of his life before he suffered an injury. He came off the bench against Dundee, and we believe he should go straight back into the lineup against the Dons to start just behind the striker. Scott Sinclair has shown promising signs off late and he should keep his place down the left. James Forrest is a guaranteed starter on the right flank.
Attack
It would be harsh to drop Johnston after he showed such promising signs in the last two games but Celtic’s record summer signing, Odsonne Edouard should lead the line in this game against the Dons.
