Ahead of Celtic’s first home league game of the season against Aberdeen, we at Read Celtic will role-play (not that kind) and predict the starting XI.
We will be playing the role of Brendan Rodgers, and choosing the starting XI and how the team are expected to line-up on the pitch.
It also includes a bit of insight into what we expect from each player, and what they can do to make the difference.
After a poor performance in midweek, Rodgers will be looking for a reaction from his players.
A 4-2 win over St Johnstone last Saturday extended their winning run to five games, which came to and end in Israel.
Aberdeen are unbeaten in the league so far this season, but have drawn two of their opening three league games.
To understand our prediction you need to also see the latest team news. Here’s our predicted XI for Saturday afternoon’s game.
Dorus de Vries
The change in between the posts was inevitable following the signing of Dorus de Vries, and following Tuesday’s game, it should be a foregone conclusion.
Mikael Lustig
After the performances in midweek, Mikael Lustig should return to the right-back position.
Kolo Toure
In the heart of the defence, Celtic’s man of the match on Tuesday Kolo Toure should start once again.
Erik Sviatchenko
As solid display from the bench should see Erik Sviatchenko return to the starting line-up after recoverng from a groin injury.
Kieran Tierney
At left-back, Kieran Tierney will look for another impressive league display against Aberdeen after a great attacking performance last weekend.
Patrick Roberts
Following a period on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Patrick Roberts should return to the starting line-up against a side he scored twice against last season.
Scott Brown
In midfield, Scott Brown will lead the side out of the tunnel for another opening league game at Paradise.
Tom Rogic
Playing in a more advanced role in midfield, Tom Rogic should start as he tried to make things happen after coming off the bench on Tuesday the performances from McGregor and Bitton were well short of what’s required.
Scott Sinclair
On the left side of midfield, Scott Sinclair was one of the few players that impressed on Tuesday and should start once again.
Leigh Griffiths
Up front, Leigh Griffiths had a very frustrating night in Israel, but will look for his seventh goal of the season on Saturday.
Moussa Dembele
Although he’s been unlucky to not start the last two games, Moussa Dembele should start alongside Griffiths to give Celtic that extra threat in attack.