Predicted Celtic line-up to face St. Johnstone in the Scottish League Cup
Celtic travel to McDiarmid Park to face St. Johnstone on Wednesday in the quarter-final of the Betfred Cup.
Celtic, the Scottish League Cup holders, will be aiming to keep their ‘Treble Treble’ dreams alive on the back of Sunday’s shock defeat against Kilmarnock.
Meanwhile, Tommy Wright’s St. Johnstone will be looking for a big performance after they were battered 5-1 by Rangers on Sunday.
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Celtic will be without Filip Benkovic after the big Croat picked up an injury before Sunday’s defeat to Kilmarnock.
Brendan Rodgers’ side could also be without Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer. Nir Bitton is progressing well but will be out at least until October.
But Olivier Ntcham will be available for selection again after missing Sunday’s game through suspension.
Probable Celtic XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Scott Bain (GK)
Scott Bain could be given the go-ahead for Wednesday’s game. He is a quality goalkeeper and would look to keep a clean sheet against St. Johnstone.
Cristian Gamboa (RB)
Gamboa has done well whenever he has received chances this season and he could replace Lustig at right-back for the midweek game.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
A solid defender with composed passing abilities and clever reading of the game, Boyata would look to keep things tight at the back against St. Johnstone.
Jack Hendry (CB)
Hendry had a dismal outing last weekend after returning from injury. However, he would look to make amends.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
Tierney has been one of the very few consistent performers for Celtic this term. He is a definite starter on the left.
Scott Brown (CM)
Brown’s presence in the midfield would be important as he is the one who keeps Celtic ticking throughout the game.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
Ntcham has suffered a dip in form lately, with the powerful Frenchman lacking confidence and the drive with which he bullies defenders in the league. He needs to regain his form as quickly as possible to help Celtic do well this term.
Callum McGregor (LW)
McGregor also has been poor for the Hoops of late. He has failed to influence Celtic’s play in the final third but Wednesday could be an opportunity for him to get back his mojo.
Tom Rogic (CAM)
Starting behind the main striker could be Rogic. The Australian has blown hot and cold so far this season but it’s high time he starts delivering the goods consistently for Rodgers.
James Forrest (RW)
Having been an unused substitute in the defeat at Kilmarnock, Forrest will be fresh and keen to make a mark in the Scottish League Cup tie with St. Johnstone.
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Leigh Griffiths (ST)
Griffiths has scored in two consecutive games for Celtic and is a definite starter for the league cup clash at McDiarmid Park.