The big Scottish game on Sunday lunchtime is already making the headlines for all wrong reasons. Celtic have decided not to give a guard of honour in spite of losing the title already to their bitter rivals Rangers. The Bears endured heartbreak on Thursday night when they got knocked out by Slavia Praha from the Europa League Round of 16 encounter and the apparent dead rubber derby would hand the Hoops an opportunity to spoil the champions’ unbeaten league status at Celtic Park.
Celtic, under John Kennedy, are trying to rebuild some momentum in order to end the season on a higher note. This would boost their confidence for the upcoming term en route to reclaiming the coveted crown. We expect a summer overhaul at Parkhead, but the current stars still have a point to prove in order to cement their place beyond the current campaign.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers
Defence
Celtic’s goalkeeping conundrum has not been resolved, yet the current form of Scott Bain is satisfactory compared to Vasilis Barkas’ dreadful start to life in Scottish football. The Scotsman should retain his place between the sticks versus the Gers.
Jonjoe Kenny is enjoying his loan spell from Everton and the promising right fullback must keep his place to inject balance between attack and defence. Shane Duffy has been dismal in the heart of the backline and the gaffer, therefore, is expected to keep faith in the young central defensive pairing of Stephen Welsh and Kristoffer Ajer. Greg Taylor, back in training, might reclaim his left-back spot replacing Diego Laxalt.
Midfield
A midfield diamond has often been deployed in recent weeks and the experience of skipper Scott Brown would be essential in such an engaging contest. He should marshall the ‘back four’ as well as break down the Gers’ moves deep down the pitch. James Forrest has returned to action after a long injury layoff and is tipped to feature from the usual right-hand flank. Versatile Callum McGregor must keep his place down the left, whereas the impressive David Turnbull should occupy the ‘number 10’ role to offer his creative spark from behind the frontline.
Attack
The Bhoys would rely on Odsonne Edouard high up the pitch, but the likes of Leigh Griffiths, Albian Ajeti and Patryk Klimala have failed to partner him despite being tried out in phases. Although not an outright ‘number 9’, Mohamed Elyounoussi should keep his place alongside ‘French Eddie’ due to his versatility and the ability to tweak the set-up if required.
