Celtic will kickoff the second half of their Premiership campaign when they host league strugglers St. Mirren at Celtic Park. Earlier, the Hoops progressed through to the next round of the Scottish Cup as they secured a comfortable 3-0 win against Airdrieonians F.C.
On paper and current form, Celtic should have a field day. But when these two teams last met, St. Mirren escaped with a draw, and the Hoops had to play an hour of the game with ten men. Therefore Rodgers cannot be complacent especially when Rangers are on their heels in this tight title race.
Team News
Tom Rogic is representing Australia in the Asia Cup currently. Kieran Tierney is likely to be unavailable for this game. Eboue Kouassi and Daniel Arzani are long term absentees. Leigh Griffiths is unavailable for selection as he decided to take some time off football.
Celtic predicted lineup Vs St. Mirren
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon should be back in goal after Scott Bain started in the Cup game. The defensive pair of Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata are nailed on starters and Rodgers would be glad that Benkovic’s knee injury didn’t turn out to be a serious one.
Emilio Izaguirre has often come under the scanner for his shoddy displays, but he should start on the left for as long as Tierney isn’t available. Mikael Lustig should be back in the lineup as a right back.
Midfield
Callum Mcgregor is a nailed on starter in the middle of the park and Rodgers shouldn’t mess around with his position by deploying him as a left back. The other midfield spot could either go to Scott Brown or Olivier Ntcham. We are going in with Ntcham as he would provide a more attacking outlet.
Scott Sinclair has hit good form lately, and he should start on the left flank. James Forrest is a no brainer to start from the right. Ryan Christie has established himself as an integral member of the squad, and he is currently undroppable. He should start in the no. 10 role behind the striker.
Attack
Timothy Weah opened his scoring account, and he would be looking for his full debut. However, we expect Rodgers to play it safe by using his best strike option Odsonne Edouard from the start. Weah can always come in as a substitute later on in the second half as he continues to get accustomed with Celtic’s playing style.
