Some good news have finally from Celtic camp as all but one of their isolated players have returned negative tests and are likely to be reintegrated ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Livingston. These two sides settled for a stalemate last weekend and the depleted Bhoys would seek revenge in the reverse tie in spite of Livi’s sensational run of form in recent weeks.
The isolating group of 16 people have all recorded negative tests, apart from one player. The player will continue to isolate and we wish him a speedy recovery.
We can confirm that all other players and management staff have now returned to training.#CelticFC ?
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 18, 2021
Back to back draws have shattered the Bhoys’ ‘ten in a row’ mission, but they must not give it up yet and should rather start winning matches having failed to secure a result so far in 2021. Rangers, the runaway Premiership leaders, have maintained an unbeaten streak and the champions should put up a fight now to prove their worth in the Scottish game.
4-1-3-2 Celtic Predicted Lineup To Face Livingston
Defence
Conor Hazard is having a breakthrough campaign between the sticks and the young custodian should retain his place even though Vasilis Barkas is declared fit for the midweek contest. The Greece international has been erroneous in previous outings whereas Hazard saved his side from a late scare at Celtic Park by denying Josh Mullin in the closing minutes.
Jeremie Frimpong featured down the wing on Saturday afternoon but should be restored to his usual right-back role in place of Anthony Ralston. Shane Duffy has been disappointing ever since his summer loan from Brighton & Hove Albion and the Irishman is likely to be dropped if Kristoffer Ajer returns to action. Nir Bitton, impressive during these two side’s weekend meeting, must partner the Norwegian in the heart of the backline and the balanced display of Diego Laxalt should earn him the nod over young Greg Taylor.
Midfield
Ismaila Soro has reminded everyone of peak Scott Brown at times in the centre of the pitch and the Ivorian must orchestrate the show from his deep-lying slot allowing Callum McGregor to make runs down the middle.
While McGregor is expected to feature from the left, his versatility would help the Hoops retain possession and create goal-scoring opportunities from in and around the attacking third. David Turnbull is in majestic form and should offer his creative spark as the ‘number 10’. Ryan Christie needs to step up his game from the right-hand flank if he’s cleared to travel to West Lothian.
Attack
All four of Celtic’s centre-forwards missed out the last couple of fixtures, but the preferred duo of Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard would lead the line if available ahead of Albian Ajeti and Patryk Klimala.
