Celtic are now the Premiership leaders following a 3-0 Old Firm derby triumph a week ago. They maintained the momentum over the weekend and scripted a 4-0 win on the road against Motherwell. The streak must be continued to retain the top of the table staus and the upbeat Hoops are gearing up for another commanding display on Wednesday night against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The Dons held Rangers to a 1-1 draw last month, but a similar result this midweek would boost the Gers if they clinch a victory against Hibernian at Ibrox. They have impressed at home compared to away fixtures and the upcoming outing would be a test of Celtic’s attacking expertise against low-block defending.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Aberdeen
Defence
Celtic have restored stability between the sticks by roping in Joe Hart back in the summer window. The former England ‘number 1’ must be aiming for a fourth successive clean sheet after shutting down Dundee United, Rangers and Motherwell.
Anthony Ralston was handed a start against the Well, but the gaffer Ange Postecoglou should opt for Josip Juranovic at Pittodrie for his balance and experience down the right-hand side. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have cemented their place as the first-choice central defensive pairing, whereas the left-back role must be occupied by in-form Greg Taylor ahead of Liam Scales or Boli Bolingoli.
Midfield
Despite injuries to David Turnbull and Yosuke Ideguchi, the Bhoys have ample midfield options in their ranks and the manager should stick to the set-up that flourished at Fir Park. Skipper Callum McGregor is likely to operate as the deep-lying playmaker, also winter signing Reo Hatate has been a revelation in the middle of the park. Tom Rogic fired in a brace on Sunday afternoon and the Aussie wizard must exhibit his mastery once more with box-to-box movements, dribbling and shooting attributes. The likes of Matt O’Riley, James McCarthy, Ismaila Soro and Nir Bitton might find their names among substitutes.
Attack
With Kyogo Furuhashi still recovering from a hamstring strain, Giorgos Giakoumakis has been preferred as the ‘number 9’ in recent games. However, the Greek centre-forward is yet to find his feet in the Scottish game and Postecoglou, therefore, should opt for Daizen Maeda who is more clinical from the middle rather than featuring from the flank. Filipe Jota must be deployed on the left, also the exquisite form of Liel Abada might make all the difference in favour of the Celts. James Forrest is there as well to leave an impact as a ‘super sub’.
