Ange Postecoglou could not have asked for more from the Bhoys who clinched a thumping 6-0 win against Dundee on Sunday afternoon. Celtic registered a commanding 4-2 win against Jablonec and are in the driver’s seat ahead of hosting them in the return leg fixture of the Europa League third qualifying round.
Having said that, there’s no place for complacency in football and the gaffer must not experiment much in terms of picking his playing XI. A few alterations might take place though considering their weekend encounter against Hearts in the Scottish League Cup second round outing. The Hoops would seek revenge for their opening gameweek defeat at Tynecastle, but they must not lose focus and blow a two-goal cushion at Parkhead on Thursday night.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Jablonec
Defence
The arrival of Joe Hart might resolve Celtic’s year-long goalkeeper conundrum. The veteran Englishman is expected to keep his place between the sticks ahead of Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas.
Anthony Ralston had moments of defensive lapses on the road but his tireless overlapping runs and attacking attributes make him irreplaceable at this moment. The Hoops are yet to rope in a new right fullback and the young Scott must continue to impress to cement his place week in week out. Nir Bitton was erroneous in the first leg tie and the return of Stephen Welsh against Dundee restored stability in the heart of the backline. The academy prodigy should retain his role alongside Carl Starfelt, and also the lack of options down the left would see Greg Taylor featuring once again.
Midfield
Tom Rogic was handed a surprise start against the Dee in place of Ismaila Soro. The latter, however, might reclaim his place at the centre of the pitch and the presence of the Ivorian should allow skipper Callam McGregor to be more direct with his link-up play and down the middle runs. James McCarthy would be in contention for his Hoops debut if the situation permits.
Liel Abada has been in stunning form down the right-hand flank as he is not only finding the net but also setting it up for his teammates since securing a summer transfer. James Forrest played a cameo over the weekend but might find a starting status on the left replacing in-form Ryan Christie. David Turnbull is yet to showcase his expertise as a midfield attacker and the growing competition should uplift his game from midweek onwards.
Attack
Although the late goal would boost Odsonne Edouard’s confidence following early jitters, Celtic have hit the jackpot by securing the services of Kyogo Furuhashi on Postecoglou’s recommendation. The hat-trick hero against Dundee should lead the line once more in front of the home crowd.
