Incredible Celtic are marching towards another Premiership triumph unless Aberdeen pull a rabbit out of the hat maintaining their stellar show for the rest of the season. Considering Hearts’ dreadful run of form, the champions of Scotland should have a stroll in the park this weekend as they set to travel to Edinburgh to clash heads with the struggling Jamtarts.
While the Jambos are struggling at the wrong end of the league standings, the appointment of former Blackpool boss Neil Critchley must be viewed as a welcome change at Tynecastle. Despite a 1-0 defeat, they showed signs of improvement against Rangers before the international break and a little push from the home crowd might bolster their spirit on Saturday night.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hearts
Defence
Veteran Kasper Schmeichel has shown his composure and excellence since replacing Joe Hart in the Celtic goal. The Dane has kept 9 clean sheets in 11 league outings and is expected to grab another one given the hosts’ wastefulness high up the pitch.
Right-back Alistair Johnston is thriving under Brendan Rodgers as the Canadian has cemented a starting status ahead of Scotland regular Anthony Ralston. Cameron Carter-Vickers was rested against Kilmarnock but should return to the starting XI and partner with compatriot Auston Trusty in the heart of the backline. Liam Scales could make way for the USMNT centre-back after a mixed experience in the Nations League. Greg Taylor might get the nod down the left even though Alex Valle impressed during the Scotsman’s injury absence. Meanwhile, the future looks uncertain for Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki who have hardly been deployed so far this season.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor must orchestrate the tempo from his deep-lying role. The veteran playmaker prefers to operate from the base thanks to his vision, technicality, aggression and shooting traits. Reo Hatate is in flying form, and so is Arne Engels as the duo must exhibit their ball-carrying ability, creative spark and box-to-box movements. Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan could be involved at a later stage as second-half substitutes.
Attack
Rodgers is blessed with depth and quality across the frontline. While he has James Forrest, Hyun-Jun Yang and Luis Palma among wide options, Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda remain irreplaceable for their flair, finesse and productiveness in the attacking third. Adam Idah has added competition high up the pitch, however, the poaching skill of hitman Kyogo Furuhashi makes him more suited for the ‘number 9’ spot.
