Predicted Celtic line-up to face St.Mirren in the Scottish Premiership
Celtic travel to St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Friday after the international break, where they will be looking to build on their recent 1-0 Old Firm derby win over Rangers.
The Scottish champions are still trying to find some consistency as manager Brendan Rodgers strives hard to find his best starting XI this season.
However, St. Mirren could pose Celtic with a different challenge on Friday as new manager Oran Kearney is expected to do everything to lift his beleaguered side against the champions.
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Filip Benkovic and Youssouf Mulumbu could be handed Celtic debuts after signing on the deadline day. However, the Bhoys will be without the services of the injured Jack Hendry. The likes of Jozo Simunovic, Nir Bitton and Lewis Morgan could be in contention for selection, although there is some good news with Marvin Compper returning to training.
Mikael Lustig was injured in the 3-2 defeat against Turkey on Monday and the Swede remains a big doubt for the game.
Probable Celtic XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Craig Gordon (GK)
The number one shirt is definitely Gordon’s to lose now at Celtic and given the form he’s in, he might not be vacating it for a while yet.
Cristian Gamboa (RB)
With Lustig an injury doubt for the game, Cristian Gamboa could come in at right-back. The 28-year-old looks like a player reborn this term and can offer an endless threat down Celtic’s right flank.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
Boyata has been brilliant since returning to Celtic’s starting XI and Rodgers would hope the Belgian continues to perform at the highest level.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB)
Ajer has been getting a run of games in Brendan Rodgers’ starting XI and given his performances this term, more will be expected of the 20-year-old in the coming months.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
Tierney has forged his reputation at left-back in such impressive style at Celtic. He is a sure starter on Friday.
Scott Brown (CM)
Brown is a combative presence in the middle of the park and his energy helps Celtic tick in every department.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
Ntcham offers creativity and dynamism from central midfield and alongside Brown, he gives Celtic’s backline some solid protection. A goal threat, the Frenchman would look to impress his manager on Friday.
James Forrest (RW)
Forrest’s pace and unpredictability can cause the opposition a lot of trouble. He needs to be at his sublime best if Celtic are to beat St. Mirren.
Callum McGregor (CAM)
McGregor has improved immensely under Brendan Rodgers and is simply adored by the Hoops fans. He should start as the No.10 on Friday.
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Scott Sinclair (LW)
Sinclair is yet to hit the form he displayed in his first season at Celtic Park. However, he could be in for a start on Friday.
Odsonne Edouard (ST)
Despite being just 20, Edouard has a very good positional sense but needs to be more clinical in front of goal.