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Sviatchenko Out, Bitton In Central Defence – Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Line-up To Face Ross County

Predicted Celtic Line-up To Face Ross County In Scottish Premiership

Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic will face off against 8th-placed Ross County at the Victoria Park on Saturday. Brendan Rodgers’ side made history, when they trounced St. Johnstone 4-0 before the international break, as they extended their unbeaten run in domestic competitions to a whopping 63 games, to break a 100-year-old British record. The manager will be hoping that his team continue their juggernaut, with a win against the Staggies.  

Team News 

Defender Jozo Simunovic continues to be unavailable as he continues rehab while fellow centre-half Erik Sviatchenko has indicated that he is close to a return. But he is unlikely to be involved this weekend. Winger Patrick Roberts is also a doubt for the game, along with midfielder Olivier Ntcham.

Here’s how the Hoops might take the field against Ross County on Saturday:

Manager: Brendan Rodgers 

Formation: 4-2-3-1 

Craig Gordon (GK) 

The undisputed first-choice between the sticks of the reigning champions, Craig Gordon will man the goal against the Staggies. 

Craig Gordon

Mikael Lustig (RB) 

The Swedish defender was in fine form going into the international break and will want to carry on from where he left off.  

Nir Bitton (CB) 

The Israeli international has done a fairly decent job at the back, in the makeshift centre-half role. And with Simunovic and Sviatchenko still not fit, he should continue to deputise there.  

Dedryck Boyata (CB) 

The Belgian centre-back has been a permanent fixture in the backline since his return from injury. That is unlikely to change this weekend.  

Kieran Tierney (LB) 

The 20-year old is without a doubt, one of the first names on the team sheet for Brendan Rodgers. Will line up at left-back. 

Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney

Scott Brown (CM) 

The 32-year old club captain is an influential presence on the pitch for the Hoops. Will take his spot in the middle of the park. 

Stuart Armstrong (CM) 

Alongside Brown, it should be compatriot Stuart Armstrong who is likely to occupy the second pivot position in the midfield for the Bhoys.  

James Forrest (RW)

With Patrick Roberts doubtful, Scottish wide man James Forrest should continue to feature on the right flank. 

Callum McGregor (CAM) 

The 24-year old midfielder should start in the No.10 role for the champions, ahead of Australian Tom Rogic.

Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele

Scott Sinclair (LW) 

On the left-hand side of the attack, it should be Englishman Scott Sinclair. Broke the run of six league games without a goal by scoring against the Saints last time out and will be keen on building on that. 

Moussa Dembele (ST) 

The French centre-forward was in good form going into the international break. He should get the nod to lead the line against the Staggies on Saturday.