Celtic will take on Hearts in the Scottish Cup finals after going past them recently in their last league game of the season. The Jambos finished sixth on the table after an impressive start to the campaign which saw them hold the top spot for a brief period.
There is no doubt which team will go in as the absolute favourites for the finals. The Hoops will be keen to achieve another treble. Both sides have faced off against each other four times already this season, and Celtic won all their encounters with an aggregate score of 12-2. However, the last two games since Lennon took over were closely fought, and Hearts should take heart from those games to produce an upset.
Team News
The big issue for Lennon is Kieran Tierney’s injury. However, the left-back has started training, and he could be fit in time for the final. James Forrest and Mikael Lustig are expected to be fit as well. Ryan Christie and Dedryck Boyata are going to miss out. Eboue Kouassi and Daniel Arzani continue to be long term absentees. Scott Brown is also expected to recover from his toe injury after missing the final game of the season.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Hearts of Midlothian
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain is expected to start in goal for the Bhoys. He should be shielded by the centre back pairing of Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic. Kieran Tierney is likely to recover from his hernia problem to play the final. We are also expecting Mikael Lustig to be fit in time for the final.
Midfield
Lennon is likely to revert back to his best midfield duo in this all-important clash. Scott Brown is expected to be available, and Callum McGregor should partner him.
Tom Rogic is likely to start as the no. 10 behind the striker. Michael Johnston scored a brace against the same opponents just a few days back, and he is likely to start down the left flank over Scott Sinclair who has fallen out of favour since Lennon took over. James Forrest is expected to make a comeback in the starting lineup, and he should be in his usual right-wing spot.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard wasn’t even on the bench in the last tie, and he is also going face a late fitness test. It could go either way at the moment, but we are expecting him to be fit. If he misses out, then Oliver Burke would lead the line.
