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Rodgers To Make 2 Big Changes – Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Take On St. Johnstone

Predicted Celtic Lineup To Face St. Johnstone In The Scottish Premiership

It will be a top of the table clash this weekend in the fourth match-week of the Scottish Premiership, as leaders Celtic welcome second-placed St. Johnstone to the Celtic Park, on Saturday afternoon.

Both the teams are off to a strong start to the season, having won all of their three league games. The Bhoys come into the game high on spirits after having qualified for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, despite losing 4-3 in their second-leg playoff encounter against Astana on Tuesday. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be keen on avoiding any slip-ups in the domestic competition.  

Team News 

Rodgers will have to make do without the services of striker Moussa Dembele and midfielder Eboue Kouassi along with the centre-back duo of Erik Sviatchenko and Dedryck Boyata, all of whom are expected to be fit next month.

Manager: Brendan Rodgers 

Formation: 4-2-3-1 

Craig Gordon (GK) 

The 34-year old is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for the Hoops and he will continue to start between the sticks.  

Mikael Lustig (RB) 

The Swedish international will start at right-back against the Saints, ahead of the young and impressive Anthony Ralston.

Jozo Simunovic (CB)

The 23-year old was left out of the game against Astana, but expect him to return to the starting XI, in place of the young Kristoffer Ajer. 

Jozo Simunovic is a Newcastle target
Jozo Simunovic

Nir Bitton (CB) 

The Israeli midfielder has deputised decently at centre-back this season so far. Could partner Simunovic in the heart of the defence.

Kieran Tierney (LB) 

The 20-year old Scotsman is the first-choice at left-back, ahead of the 18-year old Calvin Miller. Expect him to retain his place in the starting line-up.

Scott Brown (CM)

The captain will start against the Saints and will look to sit deep and anchor the midfield for his team.

Olivier Ntcham (CM)

The youngster from Manchester City has had a great impact since his summer move. Has scored a number of crucial goals already and will start again, ahead of Stuart Armstrong.

James Forrest (RW)

The 27-year old winger is another one who has started off the new campaign strongly. Should continue to keep Jonny Hayes out on the bench.

James Forrest

Tom Rogic (CAM) 

The Australian was instrumental in Celtic’s league win over Kilmarnock last weekend, but was benched against Astana. Should make his way back into the line-up, in the place of Callum McGregor.

Scott Sinclair (LW)

The Englishman found the back of the net on Tuesday and will want to build on that display against St. Johnstone this weekend.

Leigh Griffiths (ST)

The Scottish international was another one who etched his name on the scoresheet against Astana. With Dembele still out, he remains Rodgers’ best option to lead the line.

Here’s how Celtic might line up against St. Johnstone: