Predicted Celtic Lineup To Face Partick Thistle In Scottish Premiership
Celtic will travel to the Firhill Stadium this Friday when they take on Partick Thistle in their second game of the Scottish Premiership.
The reigning champions began the season with a thumping 5-1 win over the Hearts at home last weekend and followed it up with a 5-0 thrashing of Kilmarnock in the Betfred League Cup during the midweek. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be a happy man after having seen his team perform the way they did over the past week, and will be hoping that they carry the early momentum against Partick on Friday.
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The only fresh injury concern for Rodgers is that young midfielder Eboue Kouassi picked up a knee injury against Kilmarnock and is likely to be unavailable. Erik Sviatchenko is ruled out for close to six weeks, while Moussa Dembele and Dedryck Boyata are also confirmed absentees.
Here is how Celtic could line up at the Firhill Stadium:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Craig Gordon (GK)
The veteran stopper kept a clean sheet in the cup tie on Tuesday night and will be hoping to manage a shut-out against Partick.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
While young Anthony Ralston impressed heavily in the cup tie, we could see the senior right-back Lustig return to the starting setup.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
The Croatian centre-half was given a rest in the midweek and wasn’t named on the bench as well. Will return to the starting setup for Friday night.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB)
The youngster put in a majestic performance in the midweek fixture against Kilmarnock and is likely to start the league game ahead of Nir Bitton, who started the season opener against Hearts.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
Was the stand-in captain on Tuesday, playing as a centre-back. Will return to his more natural position of left-back role against Friday’s opponents.
Scott Brown (DM)
Another player who was not involved in the cup tie, the captain is certain to return to the starting XI for the weekend and will start as the deepest of the central midfielders.
Jonny Hayes (RW)
The 30-year old has gotten off to a decent start to life at Celtic after his summer move from Aberdeen. Should retain his place on the right-hand side of the midfield.
Callum McGregor (CM)
Has gotten off to a great start to the campaign and has become a vital part of the team. Having made an appearance from the bench against Kilmarnock, he is likely to start on Friday.
Stuart Armstrong (CM)
The 25-year old scored a goal on Tuesday night and will want to continue in similar fashion when he starts against Partick Thistle.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
Was named on the bench for the midweek clash and did not play a part in the proceedings. Should start on the left-flank for the league encounter.
Leigh Griffiths (ST)
Has already scored 4 in 2 games this season in domestic competitions and looks like he’s on a hot streak. Expect more goals from the 26-year old on Friday.