Rangers are enjoying a blistering run of form under new boss Michael Beale, but they have failed to close the gap with Celtic at the top of the Premiership standings. The Hoops are also on a similar streak and the momentum must continue on Wednesday night when they host Livingston at Parkhead.
Livi are on the rise under David Martindale with a six-game unbeaten run since their 4-0 defeat against Hibernian more than a month ago. But the real test awaits this midweek as they have already suffered successive defeats versus the Hoops earlier this campaign. Their previous meeting at the Paradise ended 2-1 in favour of the champions of Scotland and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou must demand three more points from his juggernaut to maintain their supremacy in Scottish football.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Livingston
Defence
Veteran Joe Hart has been the Bhoys’ ‘number 1’ in all competitions. He has kept five back-to-back clean sheets following a 2-2 draw against Rangers earlier this month, but his mastery between the sticks would be challenged by the Livi attackers.
Winter signing Alistair Johnston is now the first-choice right fullback ahead of injured Anthony Ralston. Greg Taylor is back in action after a spell on the sidelines and the Aussie boss is expected to rely on him once again down the left-hand side of a four-man backline. Carl Starfelt must keep his place in deep defence alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers. Moritz Jenz left the club after falling behind Stephen Welsh and Yuki Kobayashi among the central defensive options.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor made his 400th Celtic appearance against the Tangerines. He is still going strong deep down the midfield and his ability to pull the strings as a deep-lying playmaker would make the job harder for the visitors. Aaron Mooy is irreplaceable in the middle of the park, and so is Reo Hatate with his relentless runs and box-to-box movements. David Turnbull and Matt O’Riley might feature as second-half substitutes similar to recent games.
Attack
Oh Hyeon-gyu is an exciting addition high up the pitch. But the South Korean international is likely to continue as the understudy to Kyogo Furuhashi for the time being. Daizen Maeda should return to the starting XI and offer his excellence down the right, also the flair and footwork of Filipe Jota would cause menace in the Livingston defence from the other flank. Sead Haksabanovic, James Forrest and Liel Abada could be deployed at a later point if this fixture demands their involvement in the attacking third.
