Predicted Celtic Lineup To Face Aberdeen
Having rested their bodies in the comfortable win over St Johnstone last time, with one eye on the cup final, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers may well bring back the big guns here for this dress rehearsal.
Rodgers will want to ensure that his side ends the season unbeaten and that is a big deal for him, whereas Aberdeen may not want to show their hand to Celtic, this close to the big one at Hampden in a couple of weeks time.
Top spot is long gone for the Dons and 2nd looks safe too. So despite not wanting a repeat of what happened to them when Rangers came to town, Aberdeen may be the ones resting the players this time. Rodgers may go for an attacking 4-2-3-1.
Probable Celtic Playing XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
GK – Craig Gordon
The natural choice in goal for Celtic these days and is likely to still be the custodian this time next year.
RB – Mikael Lustig
The Swede should return to the side and will hope to keep McGinn quiet, as well as providing an attacking threat down the right.
CB – Jozo Simunovic
May not be at Celtic for long, but for now is an important cog for them in defence and will start the game.
CB – Dedryck Boyata
Quietly going about his business at centre-back these days and looking reasonably solid. Should partner Simunovic at the back.
LB – Kieran Tierney
The hot prospect can come in at left-back for what may be one of his last few appearances for the club if some of the English clubs get their way.
CM – Tom Rogic
The Aussie midfielder can get some much-needed game time in the middle as Rodgers would give some playing time with the title having already been won.
CM – Stuart Armstrong
Another player whose future is in the balance, Armstrong is excellent domestically and will be hard for Aberdeen to keep tabs on.
RW – Patrick Roberts
The on-loan Man City youngster has been getting better with every passing month and should be given his chance again on a decent stage.
CAM – Callum McGregor
The attacking midfielder has found his scoring boots this season and will be a big danger to the Aberdeen defence when running into the spaces.
LW – Scott Sinclair
The best player at Celtic’s disposal for now (all things considered) and will do well to keep cutting inside Logan, getting him on his wrong foot and creating space for Tierney to overlap.
ST – Leigh Griffiths
Given Moussa Dembele’s form this season, Griffiths was in danger of becoming the forgotten man. However, the former Wolves striker has shown that he is still more than capable at this level and will have to be watched carefully.
