High-flying Celtic are aiming for a ‘domestic treble’ under Ange Postecoglou. They have a massive test next weekend against their Old Firm rivals Rangers in the League Cup final, but they must concentrate on Saturday’s Aberdeen tie first in order to maintain the nine-point cushion at the top of the Premiership standings.
The Dons parted ways with Jim Goodwin after an array of dreadful outcomes. While the search is on for his successor, interim boss Barry Robson brought them back to winning ways versus Motherwell. It will be an uphill task to grab a result at Parkhead and the Dandies, therefore, must exhibit sheer grit and determination to script an upset against Ange Postecoglou’s men.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Aberdeen
Defence
Joe Hart has not been at his best in recent games, but he remains the Bhoys ‘number 1’ for his profound experience and expertise between the sticks. The veteran Englishman is expected to feature in goal ahead of Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist.
An injury setback has delayed Anthony Ralston’s return. However, winter signing Alistair Johnston has grabbed his opportunities as a right fullback. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have been the prime central defensive pairing for months, also the presence of Greg Taylor down the left offers the right balance between defence and attack. Yuki Kobayashi and Alexandro Bernabei must stay patient and wait for gametime.
Midfield
David Turnbull was handed a rare start last weekend against St Mirren in their Scottish Cup fifth-round fixture. But the Scotsman failed to impress enough in the middle of the park. He is unlikely to retain his starting status and the Aussie boss should opt for Reo Hatate who has been a revelation with his work ethic and box-to-box runs. Aaron Mooy is enjoying a blistering spell with his vision and creative spark, also the composure of skipper Callum McGregor as the deep-lying playmaker would allow them to execute Postecoglou’s free-flowing ‘Angeball’. Turnbull, as well as Matt O’Riley and Tomoki Iwata, could get involved as second-half substitutes.
Attack
An early injury forced Kyogo Furuhashi to leave the pitch against the Buddies. While the Japanese ace remains a major doubt for the Dons clash, winter signing Oh Hyeon-gyu must feel upbeat after opening his Celtic account last Saturday. The South Korean centre-forward should spearhead the attack, while the likes of Filipe Jota and Daizen Maeda must create chances from the flanks. Liel Abada, James Forrest and Sead Haksabanovic might be introduced as ‘super subs’.
