Predicted Celtic Lineup To Face Hearts
The Celtic juggernaut is expected to continue to roll this weekend, though their game at Tynecastle against Heart of Midlothian will be far from their easiest game of the season.
An incredible 42 points already separate these sides and that gap is expected to increase on Sunday afternoon. Erik Sviatchenko and Nir Bitton may return to the squad ahead of the most important game of the season, where a win would rightfully seal the league title for Celtic.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Expected Starting Lineup:
GK – Craig Gordon
Quietly going about his business these days, the former Hearts man returns to Tynecastle to play his former team and would be looking to add another clean sheet to his tally.
RB – Mikael Lustig
A player whose future is in doubt at Celtic, the Swedish right-back has 4 assists to his name in the Premiership and will be retained in the lineup for sure.
CB – Dedryck Boyata
Despite not reaching the heights expected of him at Manchester City, Boyata remains a part of the Belgium national team and is finding his feet now in Glasgow.
CB – Erik Sviatchenko
Celtic’s first choice centre-back these days, Sviatchenko is still improving and will need to be at his best to keep a hungry Hearts attack at bay.
LB – Kieran Tierney
The attacking full-back is a terrific young player and is one of Celtic’s major attacking threats from the left throughout this game. His overlaps allow Sinclair to cut in from left, on his favoured right foot.
CM – Nir Bitton
Well used this season, Bitton should continue his partnership with skipper Brown and will look to have control over the game.
CM – Scott Brown
Despite an upcoming midweek game, there is no reason at this point of the season to rest the 31-year-old and so the influential captain will start again in midfield.
RW – James Forrest
His pace could be crucial on the right wing and he may start at the expense of Callum McGregor.
CAM – Stuart Armstrong
11 goals and 7 assists in 23 Premiership games is impressive. He will be a massive danger to the Hearts defence and will slot in behind goal machine Dembele.
LW – Scott Sinclair
Despite fleetingly impressing during his time at Swansea, Sinclair has found his true level in this division and has become important to Celtic. As well as being in the supporting cast of Dembele, his link-up with Tierney will be crucial.
ST – Moussa Dembele
This fella needs no introduction! The 20-year-old Frenchman’s record alone is enough to frighten defences into submission. 32 goals in 46 games is a testament to his fitness as well as his ability. Another strike or two could be on the cards here.