Predicted Celtic XI to face Ross County in the Scottish Premiership
Celtic romped home to a historic quadruple-treble with a penalty-shootout victory over Hearts in the final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park on Sunday.
Neil Lennon’s side are now set to turn their focus back to the Scottish Premiership with a home fixture against Ross County on Wednesday night. The Staggies are currently bottom of the table and are battling relegation but they will be keen to cause another major upset after knocking Celtic out of the Scottish League Cup last month.
The Hoops are 16 points adrift of Rangers in the race for the domestic title but have three games in hand to try and narrow the deficit.
Team News
James Forrest is yet to recover from his long-term ankle injury and is expected to be out of action for another six weeks. Apart from that, however, Lennon is expected to have a fully fit squad at his disposal on Wednesday.
Probable Celtic XI
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Conor Hazard (GK)
The academy graduate made a few errors in the Scottish Cup final but eventually emerged as the hero with two brilliant saves in the shootout.
Christopher Jullien (RCB)
The Frenchman looked far too vulnerable against Hearts and will be expected to put in a better shift when the Hoops host Ross County on Wednesday.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB)
The Norwegian did well in an unfamiliar right-back role in the last game but Lennon is likely to shift him back to his preferred position for this one.
Shane Duffy (LCB)
The Brighton loanee’s indecisiveness was one of the major talking points from Celtic’s Scottish Cup triumph and it’s high time for him to pull up his socks.
Jeremie Frimpong (RWB)
The youngster featured from the bench on Sunday but Lennon should hand him a start against Ross County in the midweek fixture.
Diego Laxalt (LWB)
The Uruguayan played a useful cameo off the bench in Sunday’s cup final and is likely to replace Taylor on the teamsheet for this one.
Ismaila Soro (CDM)
The Ivorian has grabbed his opportunities with both hands in recent games and Lennon should hand him more game time ahead of veteran Scott Brown.
Callum McGregor (CM)
The academy graduate remains a key cog in the Hoops’ engine room with his work rate and creativity on the ball.
Mohamed Elyounoussi (LAM)
The Southampton loanee wasn’t really at his sparkling best in the last game but has always been a regular starter under Lennon.
David Turnbull (RAM)
The youngster has produced some promising displays in recent weeks and Lennon should continue to back him with regular starts.
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Odsonne Edouard (ST)
The Hoops talisman put in a good all-round shift in front of goal on Sunday and should once again find himself on the teamsheet for the midweek clash.
