The Celtic team has been announced for Sunday afternoon’s pivotal tie against Aberdeen. The Hoops need the win, there’s no two ways about it.

Celtic XI v Aberdeen: Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Montgomery, McGregor, Bitton, Abada, Turnbull, Jota, Kyogo

Subs: Bain, Scales, Giakoumakis, Ajeti, McCarthy, Rogic, Welsh

Ange has watched his side drop five points over the past two games and is yet to win an away game in the SPFL.

Celtic have also not won an away tie domestically sine February this year – it’s a ridiculous stat that must be ended this afternoon.

Aberdeen have had their struggles, but like we often see, teams who struggle suddenly find their motivation against Celtic.

The major talking point of today’s starting XI is undoubtedly Nir Bitton’s inclusion. Tom Rogic has been put on the bench for the tie against the Dons.

Celtic will be up against Scott Brown who will be going all out to make sure his team win the game and we need to win the midfield battle.

There has been a mixed response to Bitton’s inclusion from fans on social media.

Very glad to see Bitton getting a game today.
Hopefully he can protect the defence and allows McGregor to get further the park and influence attacking play.
Front three turns me all fanboy😍

— Steven bhoy (@stevenceltic81) October 3, 2021

Bitton is a massive liability and unreliable, don’t let the fact our other midfielders are poor trick you into thinking he’s up to standard.

— Matthew (@matthewd67) October 3, 2021

Honestly think playing bitton will give us better balance in midfield, rogic and turnbull can’t play in the same team IMO

— Michael (@mick6790) October 3, 2021

https://twitter.com/PositiveHoops88/status/1444600171879407619?s=20

https://twitter.com/aidnmc/status/1444602139867762692?s=20

Nir has had issues with staying on the pitch before, he’s cost us in games because of his lack of discipline. He needs to be clever if he wants to continue to play in this Celtic side beyond today.