Celtic are going strong in recent weeks overcoming early jitters and the edgy weekend win over Aberdeen has helped them keep pace with Rangers in the title hunt. But the Hoops have yet another tricky test on Thursday night when they would host Hearts at Celtic Park.
The Jambos stunned the Bhoys in the opening gameweek at Tynecastle. They held the Gers at Ibrox, thanks to a late equalizer from Craig Halkett and the scintillating run of form has kept them relevant in the race alongside the Glasgow giants. Celtic defeated them at Parkhead in the League Cup second round, however, the contest this midweek would be engaging enough for the fanatics of Scottish football.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hearts
Defence
Joe Hart’s move to Celtic has worked out well so far for all parties involved. The veteran Englishman lost his charm back in the homeland and the Celts were in desperate need of a custodian after months of mediocrity from Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas. A player of his stature needed minutes to regain confidence between the sticks and a first-team role week in week out has now restored stability across competitions.
Defensive trio of Carl Starfelt, Greg Taylor and Christopher Jullien are still recovering from their respective injury concerns. Ange Postecoglou, therefore, is likely to rely on Cameron Carter-Vickers and Stephen Welsh once again in the heart of the backline. Anthony Ralston has been a revelation as a right fullback, also the balanced display of Josip Juranovic from the left has formed a stable defensive third.
Midfield
James McCarthy has been majestic as a deep-lying playmaker against Aberdeen in the absence of Nir Bitton. But the gaffer expects to have Bitton and Tom Rogic back for the upcoming fixture which should see the ex-Crystal Palace star losing his starting status. Rogic is likely to slot in his preferred box-to-box role alongside David Turnbull, and the advanced slots for the pair means skipper Callum McGregor would be shifted at the base of the Hoops’ three-man midfield.
Attack
Liel Abada has been below par of late and the manager must opt for James Forrest for his experience down the right-hand flank. Filipe Jota has been exquisite from the left with his intelligence, tricky footwork and scoring traits, whereas Kyogo Furuhashi remains irreplaceable for his expertise as a ‘number 9’. Having said that, the presence of ex-Bhoys keeper Craig Gordon in Hearts goal might frustrate the Celtic attackers similar to the reverse outing in Edinburgh.
