Celtic are set to face Aberdeen this weekend in the Scottish Premiership’s second round. Keen to maintain their promising start to the season, the Bhoys are determined to secure three points from their journey to the northeast.
Pittodrie Stadium is familiar territory for the Hoops’ manager, Brendan Rodgers. The Irishman has previously celebrated several captivating wins against the Dons during his initial tenure and is targeting another victory this weekend. With the match approaching, here’s my anticipated lineup.
Joe Hart is expected to retain his position between the sticks, shielded by a quartet in defence. Anthony Ralston will likely be the right-back, with Greg Taylor taking up the left-back role. The central defence will probably see Cameron Carter-Vickers partnering with Maik Nawrocki, especially given Carl Starfelt’s recent transfer to Celta Vigo.
In midfield, Callum McGregor will don the captain’s armband. After their stellar displays last weekend, it would seem unjust to sideline either David Turnbull or Matt O’Riley. It’s doubtful that Rodgers will overlook starting both.
REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Leading the attack, Kyogo is set to be the central striker. Daizen Maeda is anticipated to start on the left wing, while Liel Abada, whose availability was confirmed earlier this week, will likely feature on the right.
Regarding substitutes, Oh Hyeon-gyu won’t be available due to a recent injury, sidelining him for 4-6 weeks. However, players such as Yang, Forrest, Hatate, Bernabei, Iwata, Holm, and Kwon are expected to be on standby, ready to make an impact if called upon.
In summary, the projected Celtic starting lineup against Aberdeen this Sunday is Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Nawrocki, Taylor, McGregor, Turnbull, O’Riley, Maeda, Abada, and Kyogo.
