Predicted Celtic XI to face Hearts in the Scottish Premiership
Celtic cruised to comfortable 2-0 victory over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, thanks to goals from Jeremie Frimpong and Odsonne Edouard.
Up next for the Hoops is a trip to Tynecastle Park to face Hearts on Wednesday night, and Neil Lennon’s side will once again be the outright favourites to bag all three points against Daniel Stendel’s side.
Meanwhile, Hearts slipped down to the bottom of the standings, just above Hamilton Academical on goal difference following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of St. Johnston this weekend.
Celtic beat Hearts 3-1 on Matchday 3 in the Scottish Premiership earlier in the campaign and the Hoops will be looking for a repeat of that performance in the midweek fixture.
Team News
Neil Lennon will be keeping his fingers crossed on the injury status of several of his key first-team players ahead of the trip to Hearts on Wednesday.
Jonny Hayes, Ryan Christie and Mohamed Elyounoussi haven’t featured since the Betfred Cup triumph over Rangers and the trio is once again doubtful to play a part in the midweek game.
Lennon went in with an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation against Hibernian and he could once again opt for a similar system if the notable absentees do not make it to the matchday squad.
Jozo Simunovic (knee), Hatem Abd Elhamed (groin) and Scott Bain (shoulder) are all ruled out for the time being.
Formation: 3-5-2
Manager: Neil Lennon
Predicted XI
1. Fraser Forster (GK)
The Southampton loanee didn’t have too much to do in a rather comfortable 2-0 victory over Hibs and he has been instrumental in Celtic’s raging success on all fronts this season.
2. Kristoffer Ajer (CB)
The Norwegian looked as solid as ever in a back-three system against Hibernian and he has always been a regular fixture at the back for the Hoops.
3. Christopher Jullien (CB)
The Frenchman has been as solid as a rock at the heart of the defence for the Hoops this term and he is expected to be one of the first names on Lennon’s team sheet on Wednesday
4. Nir Bitton (CB)
Lennon’s utility man has come in handy during a crisis period for the Hoops with a couple of commanding displays at the back and he could get a start once again.
5. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo (LWB)
The Belgian looked more suited to a wing-back role on Sunday due to his tendency to get forward and he looks set for another start ahead of Greg Taylor for the trip to Hearts.
6. Jeremie Frimpong (RWB)
The former Man City starlet continued his fine run of form with yet another impressive display on Sunday and he definitely deserves to retain his spot in the eleven.
7. Scott Brown (CDM)
One of the first names on the manager’s team sheet, the skipper continues to be a key presence for the Hoops in the middle of the park even at the age of 34.
8. Callum McGregor (CM)
The academy graduate did more than a decent job against Hibernian and there is no reason why he shouldn’t start away at Hearts on Wednesday.
9. James Forrest (RW)
The winger looked a bit tired in the triumph over Hibs but he is unlikely to get a breather, with so many players already struggling with injuries.
10. Tom Rogic (CAM)
Ntcham wasn’t really at his best on Sunday, so Lennon might just opt to rotate his squad and hand the Australian international a start if Christie doesn’t recover in time.
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11. Odsonne Edouard (ST)
The Frenchman bagged a goal and an assist on his return to the eleven against Hibernian and he will once again be the key man up top for Celtic.
