Predicted Celtic Line-up To Face Hibernian In The Scottish League Cup
Celtic will look to go a step closer to retaining their Scottish League Cup trophy, when they take on Hibernian in the semi-finals of the competition, on Saturday, at the Hampden Park.
The Hoops have been pretty much unstoppable in the domestic competitions this term again and have carried from where they left off last time around. They are now unbeaten in a whopping 59 games across all domestic competitions and manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to make it 60 when they face the Hibs on Saturday.
The current holders of the trophy come into the game on the back of a 3-0 loss at the hands of Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, but they are expected to make it to the finals and should get past the Hibs without much of a trouble.
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Jozo Simunovic is likely to be unavailable after missing out the midweek game against Bayern, while his partner Erik Sviatchenko is also likely to remain out, despite having returned to training recently. Anthony Ralston is also a doubt.
Here’s how Celtic might take the pitch at the Hampden Park on Saturday:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Dorus De Vries (GK)
The Dutchman was given a rare run out last weekend against Dundee and he was very impressive. Might get a start ahead of Craig Gordon on Saturday.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
Having featured as a centre-half against the German champions in the midweek, the Swedish defender could return to his more natural right-back position on Saturday.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
Has been an ever-present in the Celtic backline since his return from injury last month and that is unlikely to change against the Hibs.
Nir Bitton (CB)
The Israeli international has fared decently in a makeshift centre-half role this term. Rodgers might call upon him for Saturday’s game, in place of Mikael Lustig.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
Another permanent fixture in the defensive line for the Bhoys, the 20-year old Scotland international is set to start at left-back.
Scott Brown (CM)
The captain may have recently returned from an injury, but is by far the most influential player on the field for the Bhoys. Needs to start if he’s fit and available.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
The former Manchester City man scored the only goal over the weekend against Dundee, and has formed a decent partnership with Brown. Should keep his place in the line-up.
Patrick Roberts (RW)
The English youngster has been one of Celtic’s brightest players in the attack since joining on his second loan spell. Likely to keep his place in the line-up ahead of James Forrest.
Tom Rogic (CAM)
The Australian midfielder might get a look-in for Saturday’s clash against Hibernian, in the No.10 role, with Stuart Armstrong making way.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
On the left flank, we could see Scott Sinclair continuing to feature from the get-go. The Englishman has scored ten times already this term and will be keen on adding more to his tally.
Moussa Dembele (ST)
The Frenchman hasn’t been able to hit the ground running after his return from injury. But Rodgers might look to hand him a start ahead of Leigh Griffiths for Saturday’s cup game.