Celtic are flying high in the league en route to conquering a historic ‘nine in a row’. But the treble ‘treble’ winners must be aiming a similar success story this time too and their League Cup fixture on Wednesday night against Partick Thistle should be a stroll in the park considering their current run.
The Jags are placed bottom in the Scottish second tier and would require a miracle to cause an upset while locking horns with the reigning champions at Celtic Park. Neil Lennon should rotate his squad extensively to rest the first-team stars and make it to the semis defeating the Championship strugglers.
Celtic Team News vs Partick Thistle
In-form Christopher Jullien had a minor injury concern in their weekend win against Kilmarnock. The centre-half should be rested for this contest to have them back ahead of Saturday’s Hibernian trip. Kouassi Eboue and Daniel Arzani are working hard to regain match fitness whereas Mikey Johnston might be recalled into action after missing out weeks of football due to a groin strain.
Nir Bitton [hamstring] and Jojo Simunovic [knee] will remain sidelined having failed to recover from their respective injuries. Scott Bain and Marian Shved, however, are closing in on a return from their respective thumb and ankle injuries.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup Against Partick Thistle
Celtic Formation vs Partick Thistle
Lennon has the luxury to experiment with his team set-up and various combinations against Gary Caldwell’s men. But he should stick to a 4-2-3-1 as the Hoops have responded to it exquisitely since his re-appointment.
Goalkeeper
The inclusion of Fraser Forster has sent Craig Gordon further down the pecking order. An injury to Bain, however, might see the former ‘number 1’ grabbing a place between the sticks replacing the Southampton loanee.
Defence
An array of injuries at the back would not allow the gaffer to experiment much and therefore; he has to rely on Moritz Bauer in the right-back role after a stunning start to life in Scotland. Hatem Abd Elhamed should be shifted in central defence alongside Kristoffer Ajer. But the Thistle clash would be an ideal opportunity for new signing Greg Taylor to make his debut and impress on the left-hand side of Celtic’s ‘back four’.
Midfield
Olivier Ntcham was utilised in an advanced slot against Killie but might be deployed deeper alongside Callum McGregor as a double pivot. Skipper Scott Brown, underwhelming on Sunday afternoon, should be rested for this Cup outing.
Tom Rogic, the Aussie wizard, must be handed a start in his preferred attacking midfield slot. Mohamed Elyounoussi is settling down well in the new surroundings and should regain his place on the left after being dropped against Angelo Alessio’s men. Lewis Morgan is waiting for opportunities after losing his position and must be considered for the midweek game to operate from the right-hand side in place of exquisite James Forrest.
Attack
Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Leigh Griffiths, both have been in the shadow of Odsonne Edouard who is enjoying the form of his life while spearheading the Bhoys frontline. Yet the manager must make an alteration and bring in Bayo from the beginning who has showcased glimpses of his quality in limited minutes.
