Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic XI to face Hibernian
Celtic will travel to the Easter Road this weekend, as they gear up to face off against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops, fresh after earning qualification to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League, despite a 1-2 defeat to RB Salzburg on Thursday night, will be high on confidence heading into Sunday’s game. Sitting at the top of the Premiership standings, Brendan Rodgers’ side has just one point lead over arch-rivals Rangers in the second spot. They should be aiming to widen that gap with a victory against the Hibs.
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Striker Leigh Griffiths will be unavailable for the reigning champions, with the Scottish international set to take a break from the game owing to some personal issues. In-form midfielder Ryan Christie could be sidelined for a lengthy spell after being stretchered off with an injury in Thursday’s game. Mikael Lustig picked up a head injury on Thursday but could turn out on Sunday.
Here’s how the Hoops might take the field at the Easter Road this weekend;
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Craig Gordon (GK)
The veteran Scotland international is expected to continue under the woodwork ahead of summer signing Scott Bain against the Hibs.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
The Swede picked up a head injury in Thursday’s game and was taken off as a precaution. Expected to be fit for Sunday, he should continue at right-back.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
With Dedryck Boyata still recovering from his injury, the Bosnian centre-half is likely to feature from the kick off once again this weekend.
Filip Benkovic (CB)
The on-loan Leicester City centre-back is expected to continue alongside Simunovic at the heart of the defence for the reigning Scottish champions.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
At left-back, the ever-present Kieran Tierney should feature once again ahead of Emilio Izaguirre, despite having recently recovered from an injury.
Scott Brown (CM)
The Celtic captain hasn’t started the last two fixtures but should get the nod on Sunday against his former employers.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
The Frenchman came on from the bench to score a late goal against Salzburg on Thursday night. Should be rewarded with a starting berth at the weekend.
James Forrest (RW)
The second-highest goalscorer in the Premiership with 8 strikes against his name, the Scotland international is a guaranteed starter out on the right wing.
Tom Rogic (CAM)
The Australian playmaker should feature in the No.10 role for the Bhoys against the Hibs, with Ryan Christie ruled out of the fixture.
Callum McGregor (LW)
The Scotsman has been an ever present in the line-up for Rodgers this term. Should start on Sunday, but could be moved out on the left flank, with Scott Sinclair dropping to the bench.
Odsonne Edouard (ST)
The club record signing has bagged eight goals and set up two more so far in the Scottish top-flight. Should continue to spearhead the attack for the Hoops.
