Celtic are set to face Airdrieonians in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup after the winter break. The team had gone to Dubai for some warm weather training, and Rodgers would hope that they can continue their domination in Scottish football after Rangers revealed some chinks in their armour by inflicting a defeat in the Old Firm derby before the break.
On paper, Airdrie shouldn’t be any match for the reigning Scottish champions, and there is no doubt on which team would go in as the favourite. To make matters worse, Celtic are set to play at their home, so nothing has really gone Airdrie’s way in this knockout draw.
Team News
Kieran Tierney continues to be a significant doubt, and there is no way that Rodgers would risk him in a game of this stature. Filip Benkovic has seemingly recovered from his knee injury. Daniel Arzani and Eboue Kouassi are unavailable for selection due to injuries. Tom Rogic is away on national duty representing Australia in the Asia Cup.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs Airdrieonians
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain is likely to start in goal in this cup tie. Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic could be rested, and so we might see a centre back partnership of Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer at the back. Anthony Ralston could start as the right back over Mikael Lustig. Emilio Izaguirre should be the preferred left choice alternative.
Midfield
Scott Brown struggled in the Old Firm derby the last time around, but he should start in midfield for this game. Callum McGregor should be his partner in the middle of the park.
Further up front, we are likely to see Scott Sinclair on the left flank. Oliver Burke might make a case for himself but he hasn’t played much football in the Championship, and he might take some time to get back to his best after joining Celtic on loan from West Bromwich Albion. Ryan Christie should be the preferred starter in behind the striker in the absence of Rogic. James Forrest should start from the right, but if Rodgers is feeling more adventurous, then he can go in with Jonny Hayes as well.
Attack
Rodgers has finally got some options to choose from as he signed the likes of Timothy Weah and Vakoun Issouf Bayo in this transfer window. With some big games coming up, Rodgers would want to protect Odsonne Edouard as much as possible. Therefore we might see either Weah or Issouf Bayo leading the line. We are going in with the 18-year-old Weah up front.
