The reigning Scottish Champions will travel to the Tynecastle to take on Hearts of Midlothian. However, the actual game has taken a back seat at the moment given the drama which has ensued at Parkhead in the last couple of days. Brendan Rodgers surprisingly decided to leave Glasgow midway through the season to join Leicester City, and Neil Lennon is set to take over for the rest of the season.
The former Hibs boss might have hoped for a more straightforward first assignment as travelling away to the Tynecastle isn’t the easiest of fixtures. It would be interesting to see whether the new manager would make some changes in tactics and his side’s approach. However, with this being a midweek clash, Lennon isn’t going to have much time to impose his style. Therefore we expect him to keep it simple and Celtic should have enough quality, in the end, to see out their rivals.
Team News
Lennon is joining amidst a bit of an injury crisis as Callum McGregor could miss out again due to a calf strain. He would be glad that veteran midfielder Scott Brown is now available after serving his suspension. Olivier Ntcham, Tom Rogic and Ryan Christie are significant absentees in midfield. Scott Allan who was snubbed under Rodgers might see himself in the matchday squad. Fillip Benkovic is still unavailable for selection.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs Hearts
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Lennon’s preferred formation has been 3-5-2, but we expect him to not bring too many changes in such a short while. Therefore we expect Celtic to lineup in their typical 4-2-3-1.
Defence
Scott Bain should continue in goal given his current performances. Craig Gordon though might feel he has got a lifeline with a new manager coming in. Dedryck Boyata and Kristoffer Ajer should start in the heart of the defence. Kieran Tierney is back and running, and there is no doubt that he will start from the left. January signing Jeremy Toljan should occupy the right back spot.
Midfield
Scott Brown is a nailed on starter in midfield. The other spot could be a toss-up between Nir Bitton and Ewen Henderson. We are going in with the more experienced Bitton in midfield.
Oliver Burke might be shifted to play in an attacking midfield role with the current injury crisis. James Forrest should continue from the right and Scott Sinclair from the left.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard should be the preferred striker to lead the line for the Hoops in this tie.
