The Scottish Cup enters its 5th round this weekend and having qualified for it after defeating Albion Rovers in the last round in January, Celtic will now face Inverness at the Celtic Park on Saturday.
Both sides have already met twice this season – both in the Premiership, with Celtic winning one while the other ended in a stalemate, but the third should end in emphatic victory for the hosts considering the poor form of their visitors.
The Caley Thistle sit bottom of the log in the league and shouldn’t pose much threat to the Bhoys in front of their massive home support. Rodgers would likely field a lineup containing regular starters and 2nd string members of the squad, and that XI could look like this.
Formation : 4-2-3-1
GK – Gordon
Has been in goal for both cup and league games this term and should be making his 5th appearance in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
LB – Tierney
Has since returned to full fitness and form after being kept out of action via injury, and he remains the first choice ahead of Emilio Izaguirre.
Would likely be deployed to start against Inverness.
CB – Boyata
The young Belgian just recently made his debut for the Hoops and is slowly establishing himself as one of the most important players within the club’s ranks.
He could be making yet another start this weekend.
CB – Sviatchenko
The Dane returned to the starting lineup the last time out and could still retain the berth ahead of Simunovic.
He has already featured in 3 of Celtic’s Cup games thus far.
RB – Gamboa
The Costa Rican has sat out of the last games with Rodgers preferring Lustig but he could return the 27-year-old to the starting lineup for a clash that should be a walk in the park for his charges.
CM – Brown
The skipper continues to provide adequate cover for his backline and has hardly missed a game this term.
Looks bound to make his 5th appearance in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
CM – Bitton
The Israeli has partnered Brown excellently well this term and both could play together again in the heart of Celtic midfield against the visiting Inverness.
AML – Sinclair
The English forward has continued to terrorize opposition defence with his set skills and sharpness in the final third.
He already has a goal in the Cup and could add more on Saturday with a start likely awaiting him.
AMC – McGregor
With Armstrong yet to attain fitness, the young Scottish midfielder should continue behind the striker.
AMR – Roberts
The youngster has lead the attack in the past games, but he might return to the wing with Dembele back in action.
CF – Dembele
The 20-year-old hotshot has 5 goals in 4 Scottish League Cup appearances thus far and having attained full fitness, he is set to start Saturday’s game.