Having already registered the Scottish Premiership silverware to their name, Celtic have mere formalities to cater to as they next make an away trip to the Global Energy Stadium in order to face Ross County. The Hoops are due to face their arch rivals, Rangers, in the Scottish Cup semi-final and thus, Brendan Rodgers might be tempted to shuffle his side to a considerable extent to ensure that his main men are in a fine shape when they face Pedro Caixinha’s men.
Here is how the Celtic starting line-up might look at the onset on Sunday.
Defence
Veteran left-back in the shape of Emilio Izaguirre should be getting a start this weekend as Kieran Tierney might be handed a rest prior to the clash against the Gers. Erik Sviatchenko and Dedryck Boyata should be getting their spot at the heart of Celts’ defence as they would have to tee up really well to eliminate the offensive threats from Jim McIntyre’s men.
To be slotted on the right-back position should be Christian Gamboa, ahead of Mikael Lustig, as Rodgers would be aiming to rotate his squad to maintain a neat balance. To be pencilled with the gloves between the sticks should be the former Hearts man, Craig Gordon.
Midfield
In the 4-2-3-1 formation, Nir Bitton and Craig McGregor should be manoeuvred with the latter likely to be urged to make surges up the pitch and show some creativity as well. Celtic’s midfield does boast of a plethora of stars and making some ramifications in terms of their personnel in the middle of the park should not really be an issue for the former Liverpool boss. To be used as the no. 10 in the tactical setup should be Gary Mackay-Steven.
Attack
Moussa Dembele has banged in 17 goals so far in the top flight of Scottish football and is already receiving humungous attention from European heavyweights. Rodgers will be keen to hand him a start to get back nicely into the scheme of things and the Frenchman should be leading his side from the front against the Staggies.
On the left wing, James Forrest is likely to be given the nod to start, whereas on the right wing, the Manchester City loanee in the shape of Patrick Roberts could be seen in the starting line-up. The wingers would be entrusted the responsibilities of cutting inside and having a shy at Ross County’s goal as well to carve adequate goal scoring chances for Dembele.
Gordon
Gamboa-Sviatchenko-Boyata-Izaguirre
Bitton-McGregor
Roberts-Mackay Steven-Forrest
Dembele
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
