Preview: Celtic vs. Inverness CT (H)

Celtic will be hoping for three points against Inverness CT to gain momentum for the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Malmo. Last time out the Hoops were sloppy and Deila has called for a more organised and disciplined performance for tomorrow.

Celtic (Form: WWWDWD)

The league champions sit in second two points adrift of the newly promoted Hearts who have won three from three this season. They will be hoping there are no pre-Champions League jitters and put the lacklustre performance against Kilmarnock behind them.

Deila’s selection will be affected by the impending two-legged tie against Malmo, which is without a doubt the biggest games of their entire season to get Champions League football back at Celtic Park rather than the Europa League.

 Inverness CT (Form: LDLDD)

So far this campaign Inverness been tight defensively, but have struggled to create anything in the final third. The addition of Iain Vigurs will address that to some extent, as the midfielder provided nine assists and six goals in the Scottish Premiership last season for Motherwell.

A lack of a goal scoring threat has seen Inverness struggle to get a win in their previous five games in all competitions, scoring one goal, which came against St. Johnstone on the opening day of the season.

Team news

Key players like Van Dijk, Boyata, Brown and Johansen can’t afford to get injured so could all be rested. Deila also faces a dilemma of whether to play Griffiths up-front or rest him for Wednesday.

Kris Commons is the only doubt ahead of the game this Saturday after suffering a thigh injury on Wednesday.

Aaron Doran, James Vincent and Jordan Roberts all missed out against Partick Thistle and will be looking to return to the line-up on Saturday.

Gary Warren (broken leg) and Dean Brill (knee) are definitely out along with Richie Foran, who suffered a ligament strain in his attempts to recover from a long-term knee problem, while Josh Meekings (hip) is also struggling.

Head to Head 

Celtic have emerged victorious more often than not, claiming 27 wins compared to just five for Inverness, including just one win from their last 11 matches in normal time.

Inverness did knock Celtic out of the Scottish Cup last season after extra time, although in very controversial circumstances given the refereeing performance in that game.

Celtic have won five of the last six contests that have taken place in Glasgow, with Inverness’s last away success coming in November 2012.

Prediction: Celtic 1-0 Inverness CT