Predicted Celtic Lineup To Face St.Johnstone
As if to truly highlight the gap between domestic football in Scotland and those teams playing in the Champions League, Celtic are unbeaten all season in the Premiership and cup competitions, but lost to Barcelona, Borussia Monchengladbach, Hapoel Beer’Sheva and even the Lincoln Red Imps in Europe.
They can cruise to what may end up being a domestic treble under Brendan Rodgers but will need to be on their guard here against a capable St Johnstone team. With the Old Firm double now out of the way and no serious match until the cup final at Hampden against Aberdeen at the end of the month, changes could be made by the manager.
Probable Celtic Playing XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
GK – Craig Gordon
Another start for the former Scotland no.1 between the posts. He has been the first choice this season and will remain so this time as well.
RB – Mikael Lustig
The reliable, if unspectacular right-back can carry on at the expense of Cristian Gamboa. A sure starter.
CM – Jozo Simunovic
Simunovic has been playing well of late and may wish to keep the momentum going. He should start this game.
CB – Dedryck Boyata
The improvement in the former Man City defender’s form has been good to watch and he should start alongside Simunovic.
LB – Emilio Izaguirre
With Tierney bound to be rested between now and the end of the season, there will be opportunities for the former first choice left-back.
CM – Tom Rogic
The captain Scott Brown may be another one who would not be risked a lot between now and the cup final. So Rogic can step into the midfield.
CM – Stuart Armstrong
It’s hard to see Rodgers leaving out both of his first choice central midfielders. So Armstrong will get the chance to add to his goal tally.
RW – James Forrest
The speedy winger will get his chances to impress, with young Patrick Roberts perhaps given the chance to rest his legs.
CAM – Callum McGregor
He’s been in good form lately and would jump at the chance to add to his goals tally here.
LW – Scott Sinclair
The most impressive player of all this season, Sinclair has hit a ton of goals from wide and will be difficult for St Johnstone to stop.
ST – Leigh Griffiths
The former Hibs and Wolves man perhaps doesn’t get as many chances he’d like to these days, with Moussa Dembele in the squad. However, he remains capable of finding the net at this level and may start again after his goal last time out at Ibrox.