Scottish champions Celtic are to host Dundee at the Celtic Park on Saturday in their next Scottish Premiership fixture. Prior to the international break, the Hoops mustered a 2-2 draw against Hibernian and thus, they would be looking forward to accumulating all three points in their upcoming game.
Here is how we expect Brendan Rodgers to place his starting line-up against Neil McCann’s troops.
Defence:
Craig Gordon should continue to keep his place between the sticks despite his erratic domestic form and it goes without saying that the Scot would be keen to bag a clean sheet against Dundee. Jozo Simunovic is still out with a hamstring injury whereas Erik Sviatchenko is still working his way to full fitness and is not likely to start.
Anthony Ralston is suffering from a knee injury and Mikael Lustig is expected to be rested, to keep him fresh for the clash against Bayern Munich. So, Christian Gamboa is likely to be pencilled at the right side of the backline for the Celts.
Scottish sensation Kieran Tierney should be starting on the left side to showcase his undeniable calibre and resilience and at the heart of the defence for the Celts. Dedryck Boyata should start at the heart of the back 3.
Midfield
Summer signing Olivier Ntcham should find a place in the middle of the park against the Dee to keep possession and to maraud forward when opportunities arise. Callum McGregor’s excellent eye to score goals as well as to create chances implies that he is also likely to be stationed in the middle.
On the extreme right-hand side of the midfield, Manchester City loanee Partick Roberts should start the proceedings whereas, on the left, we anticipate Scott Sinclair to be given the green signal. Eboue Kouassi is still out with Malleolar injury.
James Forrest’s attacking prowess would be one of the most difficult aspects to deal with for McCann’s outfit as he is likely to start as well. Stuart Armstrong and Scott Brown are set to miss out due to their injuries.
Attack
Right up front, Frenchman Moussa Dembele hasn’t been able to hit the ground up and running so far this season for his employers and a league fixture against Dundee should be a good pedestal for him to get himself in a good nick.
A goal or two from him would be welcomed, and to partner Dembele in his offensive pursuits, the former Liverpool boss should utilize someone like Odsonne Edouard so that the youngster gets another game under his belt.
This is how they might line up:
