Predicted Celtic line-up to face Hearts in the Betfred Cup
Holders Celtic travel to Murrayfield stadium to face Hearts in the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup.
Celtic booked their place in the last four of the Betfred Cup with a narrow 1-0 away at St Johnstone. The Hoops will look to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat against RB Leipzig in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Hearts come into this game on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.
Team News
Dedryck Boyata is suspended, while the likes of Scott Brown, Leigh Griffiths, Kristoffer Ajer and Youssouf Mulumbu are doubtful.
James Forrest returns from suspension and Tom Rogic is likely to be passed fit, but Jozo Simunovic and Cristian Gamboa are unlikely to feature after both were injured in the 2-0 Europa League defeat to RB Leipzig on Thursday.
Probable Celtic XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Craig Gordon (GK)
Gordon was the reason why the margin of Celtic’s defeat at Leipzig was only 2-0. The big Scotsman should retain his place in the line-up against Hearts.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
Lustig has been a shadow of his former self. With injuries piling up, he could get another chance at right-back.
Filip Benkovic (CB)
Benkovic has impressed in the heart of the Celtic defence and looks set for a huge future in the game.
Jack Hendry (CB)
Partnering Benkovic in central defence should be Hendry, who has had a tough time at Celtic Park since joining the club back in January.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
Industrious, quick and reliable, Tierney would hope to put in a top performance to help Celtic win the contest against Hearts.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
Ntcham has put in a series of subpar performances in the last month or so. The Frenchman needs to be at his best if Celtic are to qualify for the Betfred Cup final.
Eboue Kouassi (CM)
With Brown and Mulumbu doubtful, Kouassi could be the ideal man to partner Ntcham in central midfield. Kouassi needs to make the chance count if he is to enjoy a run of games ahead.
James Forrest (RW)
Back from suspension, Forrest would give plenty of width to Celtic. He is a certain starter for Sunday’s encounter.
Tom Rogic (CAM)
Rogic could shake off his knee injury and make himself available for this game. The Australian is a crafty player and is deadly in front of the goal.
Callum McGregor (LW)
The onus will be on McGregor to put in a massive performance against the Hearts. He is a clever player, known for his movement and ability to pick up important spaces behind the defenders.
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Odsonne Edouard (ST)
Leading Celtic’s attack could be Edouard, as the young Frenchman has shown positive signs lately.
