Predicted Celtic Lineup To Face Brechin City In The Scottish Cup
Celtic will kick off the defence of their Scottish Cup when they take on Brechin City in the 4th round of the competition, at the Celtic Park on Saturday.
The Hoops will take the field for the first time in 2018 and come into the game following their goalless draw against Rangers before the turn of the year. Manager Brendan Rodgers will look to start things off in the cup competition with a win over the Scottish championship side over the weekend.
Team News
New signing Marvin Compper will be unavailable due to a calf injury. The 32-year-old centre-back, who was signed from RB Leipzig has been ruled out for three to four weeks. Patrick Roberts joined his teammates at the club’s winter training camp in Dubai but remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Celtic will also be without midfielder Mark Hill after he joined St. Mirren on loan.
Here’s how the Scottish champions might line up against Brechin City on Saturday:
Probable Celtic XI
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Dorus de Vries (GK)
The 37-year old shot stopper has just played a single game this season. Could be given a start on Saturday.
Cristian Gamboa (RB)
The Costa Rica international hasn’t been involved a great deal in recent weeks. Could be given the nod at right-back ahead of Mikael Lustig.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
The Bosnian centre-half hasn’t been able to hit his best form since returning from injury. Should start on Saturday at the Parkhead.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB)
The young defender has been quite impressive of late and should start alongside Jozo Simunovic in the backline.
Calvin Miller (LB)
The 20-year old is a promising talent who the manager holds in high regard. Could be given a chance to impress in place of Kieran Tierney.
Eboue Kouassi (CM)
The Ivory Coast midfielder has made just 4 appearances in all competitions this term. Likely to be handed a start against Brechin City.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
The former Manchester City man has been impressive since his summer move to the Parkhead. Should partner Kouassi in the middle of the park.
James Forrest (RW)
The Scottish wide man has been in good form and has been among the goals for the reigning champions. Should start on the right-hand side.
Callum McGregor (CAM)
In the No.10 role, it should be Scottish international Callum McGregor. The 24-year old has grown into a key player for the Hoops and will look to make a decisive impact on Saturday.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
On the left-hand side of the attack, it could be 28-year old Scott Sinclair. Hasn’t been consistent enough in the first half of the season and would want to change that.
Odsonne Edouard (ST)
The loanee from Paris Saint-Germain could be handed a chance to lead the line by Rodgers, ahead of Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths.