Celtic are set to face St. Johnstone again but this time at McDiarmid Park and Tommy Wright’s men would hope that they could improve on their performance from midweek. It wasn’t as straightforward for the Hoops as everyone expected and Johnstone made the Hoops work hard for the three points.
Celtic managed to pull off some significant deals on the last day of the transfer window and the mood around the camp should be hunky dory given that they have also opened up a six-point lead over their Old Firm rivals Rangers. Rodgers though would hope that his side isn’t complacent and given the fact that St. Johnstone made them work hard in the earlier encounter should keep the Bhoys honest.
Team News
Tom Rogic is back in the reckoning for selection as Australia crashed out of the Asia Cup early. Eboue Kouassi and Daniel Arzani are long term absentees. Odsonne Edouard is fit and running, and maybe he could start his first game after the winter break. Anthony Ralston might be a doubt for this tie. Kieran Tierney and Filip Benkovic are also going to miss out.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs St. Johnstone
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain has now managed four clean sheets since the winter break, but Rodgers may opt for the more experienced Craig Gordon in goal for this tie. He is likely to be shielded by the centre back pairing of Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer. The duo was hardly tested in the midweek tie, and they would want to keep it like that for this game as well.
Emilio Izaguirre should continue to fill in the left-back role in the absence of Tierney. Mikael Lustig might be looking over his shoulder as the Hoops have signed Jeremy Toljan from Borussia Dortmund. But the Sweden international is expected to start in this game.
Midfield
Scott Brown put in an assured and dominating performance against the same opponents, so we don’t feel Rodgers would change much. He should captain the side. Callum McGregor is likely to partner him in the middle of the park.
Further up front, Ryan Christie should start in the no. 10 role. Rogic might make an appearance from the bench. Scott Sinclair is likely to keep his place down the left. James Forrest should start from the right. However, if Rodgers is feeling adventurous, then he might rest him for Oliver Burke.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard should start in this game, and he is expected to lead the line for his side.
