Although it was a narrow win against Motherwell on Wednesday night, Celtic are going strong in the Premiership race with a seven-point cushion over Old Firm rivals Rangers. They have one game left before the FIFA World Cup break and gaffer Ange Postecoglou must maintain their supremacy with a win against Ross County at Parkhead.
The Staggies were rock bottom in the league standings a few days ago. But they are now three points clear of the relegation zone with back-to-back wins against St Mirren and Hibernian. This must uplift the spirit in the County camp, particularly after two defeats at Victoria Park against the champions of Scotland.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Ross County
Defence
Joe Hart has been the Hoops’ ‘number 1’ since his arrival last summer. The Aussie boss roped in Benjamin Siegrist on a Bosman earlier this campaign, but the Swiss custodian is currently waiting for his chances having featured just twice in the Cup contests.
Anthony Ralston and Josip Juranovic have been rotated down the right. Juranovic got the nod this midweek against Motherwell and the manager is likely to restore the Scotsman to the starting XI on Saturday afternoon. Greg Taylor must operate as the left fullback, whereas Cameron Carter-Vickers should occupy the central defensive role alongside Carl Starfelt.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor is sidelined until after the World Cup with a knee injury. However, Matt O’Riley has stepped in and delivered stupendously as a deep-lying playmaker, and the Denmark youth international should keep on pulling the strings from his makeshift ‘number 6’ spot. Aaron Mooy might be replaced by David Turnbull in the middle of the park, but the energetic Reo Hatate remains irreplaceable for his relentless runs, box-to-box movements and link-up football. Mooy, as well as Oliver Abildgaard, could be introduced as second-half substitutes during this weekend’s encounter.
Attack
Postecoglou is blessed with ample quality in the attacking third. He has five wide attackers who have been rotated extensively so far this term and the Parkhead chief should hand Sead Haksabanovic a start following his brace against the Tangerines a week back. Filipe Jota should run riots in the Staggies’ defence with his flair and finesse from the left-hand flank, but the majestic Kyogo Furuhashi could be rested in favour of Giorgos Giakoumakis as the centre-forward. The likes of James Forrest, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada might also get involved at some stage as ‘super subs’.
