Predicted Celtic Line-up To Face Motherwell In The Scottish League Cup Final
Celtic will look to get their hands on the first silverware of the season, when they take on Motherwell in the finals of the Scottish League Cup at the Hampden Park, on Sunday.
The Bhoys progressed to the finals of the competition, after beating Hibernian 4-2 in the semi-finals last month and manager Brendan Rodgers will be keen on retaining the trophy, especially after the 7-1 mauling at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night, in the UEFA Champions League.
Team News
There are no fresh injury concerns for the Bhoys to contend with, but it is unlikely that defender Erik Sviatchenko will be involved on Sunday. It is also possible that Rodgers might opt to leave out Jozo Simunovic, as he only returned from injury earlier this week.
Here’s how Celtic might take the field in the season’s first final:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Craig Gordon (GK)
The veteran goalkeeper is a permanent fixture between the sticks for the Hoops and that is not going to change for the finals of the cup.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
The Swedish defender was in fine form coming into the midweek game and will look to put that display behind and put on a strong showing on Sunday.
Nir Bitton (CB)
Was left out for the European clash, but could be back in the lineup for Sunday in place of the recently returned Jozo Simunovic.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
The Belgian centre-half has been a constant presence in the lineup since his return from injury in September. Unlikely to change.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
The left-back is without a doubt one of the most talented young players in the game and is one of the first names on Rodgers’ team sheet.
Scott Brown (CM)
In the middle of the park, club captain Scott Brown should take his usual place and look to break the play up and get his team on the front foot.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
The French youngster has been very bright in his last couple of appearances and should be retained in the starting XI, ahead of Stuart Armstrong.
James Forrest (RW)
With Patrick Roberts returning from injury very recently, it is very much likely that Rodgers could continue to stick with James Forrest on the right flank.
Callum McGregor (CAM)
Through the middle, in the No.10 role, it should be Scotland international Callum McGregor. Will have an important role to play if the Bhoys are to get their hands on the trophy.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
Was left out of the line-up against PSG in the midweek game, but should make his way back into the starting XI on Sunday.
Moussa Dembele (ST)
The French forward has been in decent form and got himself on the scoresheet against PSG on Wednesday. Should continue in the attack, ahead of Leigh Griffiths.