Celtic are not only enjoying a boisterous league run but have also conquered the League Cup crown back in December. A ‘treble’ is up for the grab overcoming last season’s shambles and the Hoops, therefore, would aim for another commanding victory against Raith Rovers on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides are set to lock horns at Celtic Park in a Scottish Cup 5th Round fixture. The Bhoys have already defeated the Rovers 3-0 earlier this season in the League Cup quarterfinal and are likely to replicate a similar outcome this weekend en route to winning another silverware. The Championship side failed to cause an upset in 12 previous meetings and it is to be seen now whether 13 proves to be a lucky number for the Fife-based outfit.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Raith Rovers
Defence
Despite extending Scott Bain’s stay beyond this summer, Ange Postecoglou is expected to rely on veteran Joe Hart between the sticks who has cemented a ‘number 1’ role since his switch from Tottenham Hotspur.
Josip Juranovic missed the Aberdeen game through illness and academy graduate Anthony Ralston should retain his place down the right unless the Croatian recovers in time for the Cup contest. Although they have a stable central defensive pairing for Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers, the manager must hand Christopher Jullien an opportunity to shine following a long injury layoff. Stephen Welsh might partner the Frenchman in the heart of the defensive line, whereas Liam Scales remains an option to feature as a left fullback ahead of Greg Taylor.
Midfield
Celtic have ample midfielders in their ranks and the gaffer should opt for rotation in order to rest his first-team regulars. Yosuke Ideguchi is in contention as he has recovered from an injury picked up against Alloa Athletic, also the experience of Nir Bitton should be prioritized deep down the midfield. Aussie wizard Tom Rogic must get the nod to showcase his creative spark banking on exquisite dribbling and shooting expertise. Skipper Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, James McCarthy and Ismaila Soro would also be there as alternatives in the centre of the pitch.
Attack
Postecoglou should alter the frontline of Daizen Maeda, Filipe Jota and Liel Abada for this Cup tie as he has got the likes of veteran James Forrest, Michael Johnston and Giorgos Giakoumakis among the other attacking options. Forrest and Johnston would occupy the wide roles allowing Giakoumakis to slot in as the ‘number 9’ amid the injury absence of Kyogo Furuhashi.
