Celtic are slowly strolling towards normalcy at least in the league and cup competitions, and once again they would take on Hearts after giving them a thumping in the League Cup semi-finals. The Bhoys dominated the proceeding but had to wait until the second half to open the scoring and Rodgers’ side eventually ran out 3-0 winners.
The Hoops have an excellent opportunity to cut down Hearts’ lead at the top of the table to one point, and if they can replicate the performance they have shown in the last weekend’s game, their opponents shouldn’t stand a chance. The fact that the game is to be played at Celtic Park makes the home side even more of a favourite even though their opponents are the current table toppers.
Team News: Rodgers is going through a major injury crisis in midfield as the likes of Olivier Ntcham and Scott Brown are both likely to miss out. Youssouf Mulumbu was also unavailable but Rodgers confirmed that the former Norwich City midfielder would soon start training. Jozo Simunovic and Leigh Griffiths continue to remain absent. Eboue Kouassi is also a doubt after he had been substituted prematurely against the Jambos in the semifinals.
Celtic’s Predicted Lineup Vs Hearts
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scottish custodian Craig Gordon should start in goal. The defensive pair of Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic should get the nod once again as they have formed a good partnership at the back. The ever-reliable and threatening Kieran Tierney should start down the left. Mikael Lustig is likely to start as a right back even though he has been underwhelming in his performances this season.
Midfield
We expect Youssouf Mulumbu to be fit in time for this game and he should slot in the middle of the park. With no other real option in central midfield, Tom Rogic is likely to partner him in that role even though he is at his best in the attacking midfield position.
The attacking and creative onus should be on the likes of Scott Sinclair, Callum McGregor and James Forrest. Down the left, Sinclair should start as we expect Callum McGregor to take up the more central attacking role in midfield. James Forrest should start over Ryan Christie down the right.
Forward
Leigh Griffiths is still a fair bit away to return from his injury, and so Odsonne Edouard should once again lead the line for Rodgers in this crucial domestic tie against the table toppers.
