Predicted Celtic line-up to face Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership
Reigning champions Celtic host Aberdeen on Saturday in a Scottish Premiership encounter at Parkhead.
Both clubs have endured a shaky start to their Premiership campaign but they will be looking to build on the midweek Betfred Cup quarter-final wins.
Celtic overcame St. Johnstone in the Betfred Cup quarter-final, thanks to a Leigh Griffiths goal in the second half. But Rodgers would expect his boys to put in a better performance against Aberdeen, who defeated Hibernian to book their place in the last four of the Betfred Cup.
Team News
Kristoffer Ajer could be out for up to six weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered against St. Johnstone. However, Filip Benkovic could return to face Aberdeen after missing the midweek game due to an Achilles problem.
Meanwhile, Jozo Simunovic remains sidelined and Nir Bitton is progressing well but will be out at least until October.
Probable Celtic XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Craig Gordon (GK)
Gordon will come back in the starting XI to face Aberdeen having been on the bench for the Betfred Cup game.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
Lustig has put in error-strewn performances this season but he should retain his place at right-back.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
Boyata got himself sent off in the final minutes of the game against St Johnstone due to dissent. He would miss the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup but should keep his place for the weekend game.
Jack Hendry (CB)
Hendry’s campaign has been disrupted by injuries that have seen him fail to find any rhythm whatsoever. But now that he is back to full fitness, he will be raring to impress the manager on Saturday.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
A rampaging full-back, Tierney continues to deliver the goods on a constant basis for the Hoops. He is a definite starter for the game.
Scott Brown (CM)
The skipper of the team, Brown will be the one to cut out Aberdeen’s free-flowing football. Rodgers will certainly expect a big performance from his skipper.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
Ntcham has been subpar for Celtic of late. However, he needs to be at the top of his game if Celtic are to beat Aberdeen.
James Forrest (RW)
Forrest is a speed bullet who can cause all kinds of problems to Aberdeen’s shaky defence.
Tom Rogic (CAM)
Slowly starting to get back his form, Rogic is an industrious player who will start the game in his preferred No.10 role.
Callum McGregor (LW)
McGregor’s creativity and vision keep Celtic ticking. He should start the game on the left wing.
Read more: Why Celtic must go all out for this Premier League prodigy in January – a perfect Gordon replacement
Leigh Griffiths (ST)
The match winner against St. Johnstone, Griffiths continues to rescue Celtic from precarious situations. He is a sure starter for Saturday’s game.