Celtic are on fire with back-to-back emphatic victories against Kilmarnock and Dundee United. A 9-0 weekend triumph versus the Tangerines is a statement of their supremacy in Scottish football and the Hoops must be aiming for another thumping win on Wednesday night in the League Cup second-round tie versus Ross County at Victoria Park.
These two sides already locked horns earlier this month in a Premiership fixture. The Staggies fought hard for a result, however, late goals from Moritz Jenz and Liel Abada resulted in heartbreak for Malky Mackay’s men. They are currently struggling deep down the league standings, but an upset this midweek would uplift their spirit prior to clashing heads with Aberdeen.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Ross County
Defence
Benjamin Siegrist is waiting patiently for his chances since plying his trade at Parkhead on a Bosman transfer. The Swiss custodian might get the nod for this Cup game following Joe Hart’s head injury on Sunday afternoon.
Anthony Ralston has lost his place to Josip Juranovic. But the young Scotsman is in contention for a start after impressing last season with his marauding runs. Alexandro Bernabei is likely to grab his full debut in the aftermath of a much-awaited debut at Tannadice. Moritz Jenz might return to the starting XI replacing Carl Starfelt and partnering with Cameron Carter-Vickers similar to their previous meeting. The first-team defenders should be rested ahead of Saturday’s Old Firm clash.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor must pull the strings from his deep-lying midfield role. His technicality, vision and game-reading attributes would be pivotal in terms of dominating the game from the centre of the pitch. Ange Postecoglou should deploy Aaron Mooy given his experience and versatility, and so is David Turnbull who has been rotated so far with Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley.
Attack
Celtic have ample attackers in their ranks and the gaffer has the flexibility of rotating his options across competitions. Both Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi fired in hat-tricks against Dundee United, but the upcoming contest versus the Dingwall-based outfit could see an alternate frontline consisting of Giorgos Giakoumakis, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest.
Giakoumakis was absent from the matchday squad against the Tangerines due to illness, but the Parkhead chief expects him to recover in time for the Premier Sports Cup last 16 battle.
“He wasn’t feeling well yesterday so we just decided to leave him out for today. He should be right before Wednesday night’s game.”
