Predicted Celtic Lineup To Face St. Johnstone In The Scottish Premiership
Celtic will turn their attention back towards the Scottish Premiership, following their midweek exploits in Europe, as they gear up to take on St. Johnstone at the Parkhead on Sunday.
Brendan Rodgers’ side defeated Russian outfit Zenit St. Petersburg 1-0 at home in the first leg of their round of 32 UEFA Europa League clash and the manager will be hoping that his side carry the momentum from Thursday night into the weekend encounter against the Saints and come away with all the three points.
Team News
Midfielder Nir Bitton has been categorically ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee problem, Rodgers has confirmed. Patrick Roberts is back in training but is unlikely to be rushed back into action, and the same goes for Anthony Ralston as well.
Stuart Armstrong, Jonny Hayes, Craig Gordon, Dedryck Boyata and Leigh Griffiths are also going to miss out for the reigning champions, while captain Scott Brown is suspended for an accumulation of cards.
Probable Celtic XI
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Dorus de Vries (GK)
With Craig Gordon facing an extended period out on the sidelines, Dorus de Vries will once again be manning the goal for the Hoops.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
The Swedish defender will keep his place in the starting XI, on the right-hand side of the back four against the Saints.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
The Bosnian centre-half put on a solid display against Zenit in Europe and will be keen on carrying that form into Sunday’s game.
Jack Hendry (CB)
The January signing did not feature in the midweek but could come into the playing XI on Sunday at the expense of Kristoffer Ajer, who could do with a rest.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
At left-back, Kieran Tierney is very much a guaranteed starter week in week out for the Hoops. No changes expected here.
Kouassi Eboue (CM)
With captain Scott Brown suspended for the game, young midfielder Kouassi Eboue should be the anointed midfield enforcer for the Bhoys.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
The French midfielder was one of Celtic’s stars on Thursday night and will want to replicate his performance of that day against St. Johnstone.
James Forrest (RW)
The Scottish international has been Celtic’s in-form man in domestic competitions and Rodgers will be hoping that he delivers the goods once again on Sunday.
Callum McGregor (CAM)
Scored a stunning strike to seal the win over Zenit in the midweek. Should be retained for the game against the Saints.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
Did not get any minutes in the midweek but the Englishman will be raring to get back into the thick of things on Sunday and make a strong impression.
Moussa Dembele (ST)
The former Fulham man hasn’t been in the best of forms of late but showed signs of encouragement against Zenit. Will be itching to score a goal or two on Sunday.