CELTIC are finally back in competitive action this weekend, with fans desperate to see their beloved side back at Parkhead every other week.
Pre-season felt longer than usual, but a lot of anticipation has built up, with Brendan Rodgers looking to have a strong start to his second tenure as manager.
Brendan Rodgers looks poised to start a strong lineup for Celtic’s flag day opener against Ross County.
Here’s my predicted lineup:
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart.
Despite not featuring in the friendly against Athletic Club Bilbao, where fellow keepers Bain and Siegrist saw action, Hart is expected to retain his starting spot. The Englishman’s experience and composure under the bar are critical to Celtic’s games this season, if a new keeper isn’t brought into the club.
Defence: Tomoki Iwata, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, and Greg Taylor.
Iwata is anticipated to continue at right-back, beating out a fit-again Ralston due to his overall solid performance, even when playing out of position. The central defensive partnership of Carter-Vickers and Starfelt, which has been dependable for the last two seasons, is likely to remain intact. Nawrocki, despite his impressive performance against Athletic Club hasn’t done enough to displace Starfelt, for you. Greg Taylor, despite the commendable performances from Bernanei, is expected to retain his spot at left-back, which is probably harch on the Argentine.
Midfield: Callum McGregor, Hatate, Matt O’Riley.
The midfield trio picks itself – McGregor’s leadership, Hatate’s versatility, and O’Riley’s creativity make them almost irreplaceable in the lineup. The balance between the three is perfect, and it’s going to be hard for any player to break into the middle of the porch this season, if Hatate and O’Riley stick around.
Attack: Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda.
Abada has been in excellent form throughout the pre-season and is predicted to start on the right. Kyogo, the top goalscorer last season and looking sharp in pre-season, will likely lead the line as the central striker. Maeda, despite impressing in a central role during pre-season, is expected to start on the left wing. His sharpness and potential under Rodgers’ system make him a potent threat on the flank.
Celtic fans will be eager to see this strong lineup take the field as they kick off their campaign for another league title.
