Celtic’s solid domestic form continued as they chiselled a 2-4 win in the League Cup semi-final against Hibernian at the Hampden Park last weekend and impliedly, the Celts secured a place for themselves in the final. Fixtures are coming thick and fast for the Scottish giants and it would be important for manager Brendan Rodgers that he rotates his squad well.
The attention turns to Scottish Premiership now and Rodgers’ troops are due to face Aberdeen on Wednesday. Although Celtic are placed at the top of the league table with 23 points after 9 games, the Dons are behind them only on goal difference and it goes without saying that it would be a feisty fixture.
Here is how we expect Celtic to start the game against Derek McInnes’ side at the Pittodrie Stadium.
Defence
Craig Gordon is expected to start between the sticks for the Bhoys once again for the crucial league fixture, with a four-man defensive wall ahead of him comprising of Christian Gamboa, Dedryck Boyata, Nir Bitton and Kieran Tierney to shield him.
While Boyata and Bitton are expected to be stationed at the heart of the backline, Tierney’s exuberance, flair and calibre has been fruitful for the Glasgow giants for quite some time now and thus, he would be used from the left-back position. Gamboa is also anticipated to be given the nod to start.
Midfield
The former Liverpool boss might start with the duo of Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham in the middle of the park. Ntcham was an unused substitute against Hibernian in the League Cup semi-final clash and thus, he would be raring to go. The pair has to shield the backline properly, for there would be many attacking endeavours by the Reds.
Further, they need to dictate the tempo of the game and create adequate chances as well. Brown has been a reliable customer for the Hoops and has been pretty consistent this season. We anticipate Tom Rogic to be handed the no. 10 slot to showcase his attacking and creative prowess.
Attack
Moussa Dembele smashed a couple of goals against the Hibs after coming on for Leigh Griffiths with an hour left to play and in the upcoming league fixture, we expect him to spearhead his employer’s attacking arsenal from the very beginning.
From the left-wing, Scott Sinclair’s industry should be made full use of and from the right-wing, sensational youngster Patrick Roberts should be the one showcasing his calibre once again. The wingers will have to create outlets and have to ensure that the striker is fed constantly.
Here is how they might line up:
