Predicted Celtic line-up to face Bohemians 1905 in pre-season friendly
Celtic will continue their preparations for the upcoming UEFA Champions qualifiers with a friendly against Czech Republic club Bohemians 1905 this weekend.
The Scottish champions kicked off their pre-season with a 1-0 friendly win over Austrian side Vorwarts Steyr on Wednesday, courtesy of a fantastic solo strike from James Forrest. And manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that his side continue to build steam ahead of their all-important Champions League first-round qualifier against Alashkert in less than two weeks’ time.
Rodgers is likely to field a side with promising young talents, along with some experienced heads against Bohemians 1905. And here is how the Bhoys could line up on Saturday at the Huber Arena;
Probable Celtic XI
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Conor Hazard (GK)
The young goalkeeper made a brief substitute appearance on Wednesday but he is likely to be handed a starting berth in place of new signing Scott Bain this weekend.
Stephen Welsh (RB)
The talented young right-back impressed against Vorwarts Steyr and should be given another go when Celtic play Bohemians on Saturday.
Jack Hendry (CB)
Hendry, who joined Celtic from Dundee in January, did not have the best of debut campaigns with the Hoops. But a solid pre-season this time out could set him up to fulfil the immense potential he has shown.
Marvin Compper (CB)
The 33-year old endured an injury-ridden debut campaign with the Scottish champions, having moved from RB Leipzig in January. The centre-back now needs to step up in a big way, especially as Dedryck Boyata is away in Russia with Belgium for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Calvin Miller (LB)
The young left-back has made sporadic appearances for the Hoops’ senior side over the past couple of seasons. A strong pre-season could see him feature more often for Celtic in the 2018/19 campaign to allow first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney to rest every now and then.
Scott Brown (CM)
The captain started off things in his usual manner in pre-season, putting in an impressive display in the first half against the Austrian outfit. Another start should be in the offing on Saturday.
Kerr McInroy (CM)
The teenage midfielder showed a good understanding of the game and demonstrated some good distribution skills as well against Vorwarts Steyr. Highly-rated by the manager, he should be in for another start this weekend.
Lewis Morgan (RW)
Summer signing Morgan gave a very good account of himself in his first-ever appearance for the club on Wednesday. He should be rewarded with another start against Bohemians.
Ryan Christie (CAM)
Having returned from an 18-month loan spell with rivals Aberdeen, Christie will need to make a strong impression in pre-season if he is to establish himself as a regular in this Celtic side.
Jack Aitchison (LW)
Having come on as a substitute in the second half against Vorwarts Steyr, the 18-year-old should start at the weekend in place of Scott Sinclair.
Leigh Griffiths (ST)
The Scottish international endured an injury-ravaged 2017/18 campaign. Rodgers will want him up and running for the next season, and as a result, he is likely to hand the striker another start on Saturday.
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