Predicted Celtic XI vs Motherwell
Following their 6-0 demolition of Inverness in the 5th round of the Scottish Cup last weekend, Celtic resume their Scottish Premiership campaign on Saturday as they host Motherwell at Parkhead in the 25th round of fixtures.
It’s the 4th time both sides will be meeting this term – the 3rd in the league, and all 3 clashes earlier resulted in easy wins for the Bhoys, except the last meeting in December which ended in a hard-fought 4-3 victory.
Celtic lead the park at the top of the league with 24 points and are expected to record their 30th straight win as they continue to make history in what has been one of their best campaigns in years.
Here is how Brendan Rodgers could line up his men against the visitors hoping to escape the relegation round.
Formation : 4-2-3-1
GK – Gordon
Continues to man the goal for Celtic and has appeared in 21 league matches so far.
Should be making another start on Saturday evening as he continues showcasing his qualities to the potential suitors who are watching him and are bound to come for his services in the summer.
LB – Tierney
The youngster has been impressive this term, putting in standout performances at the left of the defence and in a left wing-back role that has seen him attract the big clubs.
Such type of performances should be expected of him against Motherwell too.
CB – Sviatchenko
The Dane has had Simunovic to contend with for regular playing berth this term, but having appeared in the last few games, he is likely to continue in the lineup ahead of the Croatian for Saturday’s clash.
CB – Boyata
Since making his debut against Kilmarnock in November, the Belgian young centre-half has played in every league game till date and is expected to make his 6th Premiership appearance on Saturday as his brilliant defending continues.
RB – Lustig
The Sweden international weighed in a goal in the 6-0 thrashing of Inverness last weekend and has been preferred ahead of Gamboa by Rodgers in recent games.
The status quo could be retained for Saturday.
CM – Brown
The skipper continues to rake in appearances for the Hoops as a result of his leadership abilities and provision of quality cover for the defence.
The 31-year-old should be making his 23rd league appearance of the season on Saturday.
CM – Bitton
The Israeli defensive midfielder has been a regular in Rodgers’ starting lineup of recent as a result of his great partnership with Brown, and that should continue against Motherwell.
AML – Sinclair
The Scottish Premiership’s highest goalscorer remains the go-to guy for Rodgers this term and would be keen to add to his tally of 14 league goals on Saturday.
AMC – Henderson
With Armstrong still unavailable, the youngster has been preferred to play behind the striker in recent games ahead of McGregor, and that could be the case again on Saturday.
AMR – Forrest
The Scotland international has been in and out of Rodgers’ starting XI this year, with Patrick Roberts giving him a run for the money, but Forrest could get a nod ahead of his competitor for weekend’s clash.
CF – Dembele
Bagged back-to-back hat-tricks in his last 2 games to take his season’s tally to an impressive 23 goals in all competitions and would be expected to maintain his fine form against Motherwell.