After an endless string of successive away games, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic return to Celtic Park for three matches in eight days at home. The Hoops take on a Hamilton Academical side languishing in the bottom three and in a desperate need for points by any means.
Celtic have had a flawless start to the domestic season, unbeaten and racing away at the top of the table with an 11 point lead and 2 games still in hand. Nevertheless, it is imperative that Brendan Rodgers’ side avoid slacking off to be able to match the sky-high expectations of the Scottish champions’ fan base as they chase a historic unbeaten domestic treble.
Team News:
Brendan Rodgers is expected to shuffle his side up for the visit of Hamilton so as to be able to field his strongest line-up against Rangers at the end of December. Scott Brown could’ve been a candidate for a rest, but his suspension next weekend at Dundee should enable him to continue for this one. Scott Sinclair is still expected to miss out with a return against Dundee most likely.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Craig Gordon
Expectedly didn’t have much to do against Partick Thistle following a tireless performance at Man City. Should keep his place, unless Brendan Rodgers suddenly decides to bring Dorus De Vries out from the cold.
Cristian Gamboa
Looked rusty on his first start for a long time against Thistle. Back-to-back matches will give the former West Brom man plenty of confidence. Hamilton aren’t expected to pose much of an attacking threat giving Gamboa an opportunity to express himself and prove that he isn’t just a back-up to Mikael Lustig.
Jozo Simunovic
Missed out at Partick Thistle, but is almost certain to start against Hamilton. It is essential for Celtic that the former Dinamo Zagreb man’s fitness is brought back to 100% with the crucial winter fixtures looming.
Kolo Toure
Another fringe player who has often looked rusty and struggled for much game time, Kolo Toure could be expected to start for the Hoops in this rather comfortable fixture, with all due respect to Hamilton.
Emiliano Izaguirre
With Kieran Tierney’s long-time injury, Emiliano Izaguirre has appeared out from the wilderness and started in almost every fixture since for Celtic. He isn’t expected to have much rest this month, but after almost a year out every single minute of game time must feel priceless for the left-back.
Scott Brown
With a suspension at home to Dundee certain next weekend, Scott Brown is almost certain to start against Hamilton. The skipper controls the midfield for the Hoops and just keeps getting better and better.
Nir Bitton
Stuart Armstrong’s emergence in midfield has meant that Nir Bitton has lost his place in the side completely. His style-of-play is opposite to that of Armstrong and he has to add more to his game if he is to compete for a place in the side. A good performance against Hamilton could be an ideal opportunity to give Brendan something to ponder about.
Patrick Roberts
The highs of Manchester didn’t last long with an underwhelming display at Thistle. Scott Sinclair’s return from injury isn’t far off and Roberts should be taking the opportunity to stake a claim with a performance in each of Celtic’s next three home games.
Tom Rogic
The Aussie has nailed down his place in the side as the support striker with goals and assists flowing through this season. Limped off at half-time at Partick Thistle but isn’t expected to be out due to the knock.
Gary Mackay-Steven
The former Dundee United man is another one of those out-of-favour faces to have been handed opportunities in the last two matches. Hasn’t done much to catch the eyes unfortunately. Will need a magical performance against Hamilton to retain his spot, especially with Scott Sinclair expected back on Saturday against Dundee.
Leigh Griffiths
One of the players who took the opportunity handed to him against Partick Thistle, Leigh Griffiths provided two assists for Stuart Armstrong and then score done himself. Moussa Dembele’s emergence as a striker has seen Griffiths’ chances limited to off-the-bench appearances, but he should retain his spot given the performance on Friday night.