Predicted Celtic XI For 2017/18 Season
With Rangers about to present a much bigger challenge and with Hibs back in the Premiership, Celtic may not get domestic matters all their own way next season. Their main focus would be European football improvement and as such, a couple of big signings will be needed.
There is a real danger that Moussa Dembele will be sold on at a massive profit and that Kieran Tierney will go down in a similar way as well. Assuming that the club can convince Stuart Armstrong to stay and that they get Patrick Roberts back for another loan term from Manchester City, we have predicted a line up for next season.
Possible Celtic XI For Next Season:
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
GK – Craig Gordon
The 34-year-old former Hearts and Sunderland ‘keeper has had an excellent season after signing for free following his two-year career break. The unassuming former Scotland international gets on about his business with minimal fuss and will most likely be no.1 again next season.
RB – Mikael Lustig
The Swede is not guaranteed of his place next season, but has been entrusted with 46 appearances this season and seems to be liked by Brendan Rodgers.
CB – Jozo Simunovic
The Croatian under-21 international is finding his feet now in Scotland and is probably their best defensive prospect aside from Tierney. Making his full international debut will be a big aim this season, something which isn’t far away.
CB – John Terry
The current Chelsea club captain is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of this season and has not hidden his desire to work again with Rodgers. Having supported Celtic to some degree, it would seem like a good option for him to play for the club and retain his position as a Champions League player.
LB – Emilio Izaguirre
Assuming Tierney leaves, Rodgers may realise that finding a direct replacement will be almost impossible. Hence at just 30, Izaguirre may reclaim his place as first choice left-back.
CM – Stuart Armstrong
So important to Celtic domestically, Armstrong has bagged 13 goals and has provided 7 assists in 27 league games this season.
CM – Scott Brown
The skipper is still going strong and his appetite has not waned. Another season in the engine room is expected.
CM – Callum McGregor
At just 23-years-old there is plenty of potential improvement to come from McGregor, who will be hoping to force his way into the Scotland squad over the next year or so.
RW – Patrick Roberts
A second loan spell from Manchester City is definitely on the cards for the left-footed winger, and as he has improved his game, he can become increasingly dangerous in European games.
LW – Scott Sinclair
Comfortable out wide or in the middle, Sinclair gets plenty of goals at this level and will be integral to Celtic’s success next season.
ST – Fabio Borini
With Sunderland’s relegation all but confirmed, a fire sale of their players will no doubt be taking place over the coming months. Borini would be a good fit for Celtic and a reasonable replacement for Dembele.
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