Predict the XI: Celtic vs. Dundee United (A)

Before every Celtic match, the writers at Read Celtic will role-play (not that kind) and give the fans a chance to get involved as well. We will be playing the role of Ronny Deila choosing the starting XI and how they should line-up on the pitch.

Think yours is better than any of ours? Tweet @ReadCeltic your XI leading up to the next game and you might be picked to have your say on Read Celtic.

Ruairi Daly:

(4-2-3-1) Gordon; Janko, Boyata, Van Dijk, Tierney; Brown, Mulgrew; Mackay-Steven, Commons, Rogic; Griffiths

I expect Ronny Deila to make at least fives changes to the Celtic side that played on Tuesday night so they are injury free and ready to go. Gordon gets the nod in goal again despite conceding six goals in the last three games, none of which Gordon has been at fault for.

Celtic’s partnership at centre-back is set to continue for the time being with Boyata looking to continue to build confidence and presence in a Hoops shirt. Saidy Janko gets the call for me at right-back because of Lustig’s hamstring problem from Wednesday, but should be fine for the second-leg. Kieran Tierney deserves another game at left-back after an impressive showing on Flag Day against Ross County and will give Izaguirre a rest.

The defensive midfield partnership of last season between Mulgrew and Brown would be my preferred choice as Bitton worked tirelessly on Wednesday and needs to be ready to do the same in Sweden. Look for Brown to be taken off on the hour mark as he did last weekend against Inverness CT.

In the three more advanced midfield positions, I would start Mackay-Steven on the right wing against his former club. This season his performances have been sub-par and has lost a place in the starting XI to Forrest, maybe playing his former club can kick-start his season. Behind the striker, I’ve gone with Rogic and hope to see Allan coming off the bench in this role at some stage.

Starting Celtic’s newest signing might be a step too far at the moment, as he will need time to adapt and settle. On the left, I would play Commons purely because he can create something from nothing and can interchange with Rogic in the middle to keep Dundee United on their toes in having to worry about both of them.

I would start striker Leigh Griffiths to keep his goal scoring form going against a poor Dundee united defence, who let four past them against Hamilton last weekend. He played just over 70 minutes on Wednesday and can play another hour or so at Tannadice to ensure Celtic get three points.

David Walton:

(4-2-3-1) Gordon; Janko, Boyata, Van Dijk, Tierney; Brown, Bitton; Mackay-Steven, Allan, Commons; Griffiths

There are times where I have been itching for Deila to play 4-4-2, but now it’s become quite clear that the Norwegian won’t tinker with formations. Therefore, my squad has been picked on that basis.

With Lustig out of the game this weekend, it gives us with another chance to see new-man Janko. Celtic can expect to have a lot of the ball at Tannadice, and this will give us a good opportunity to see the former Manchester United man as well as youngster Kieran Tierney’s quality going forward. Game-time is essential for Boyata and Van Dijk in order to give them a chance to boost their confidence with a clean sheet going in Tuesday’s second-leg clash with Malmo.

The two sitting midfielders of Brown and Bitton I would keep, simply because they are both the reasons why we dominate games in Scotland. Bitton could perhaps use a rest, but I would resist temptation and keep him ticking along in preparation for Malmo. The three behind the striker is the main area in which players need rests, and therefore I have decided to go with Commons, Allan, and Mackay-Steven. Commons may not naturally be a left-winger, but he has proven in the past that he can do a job there if necessary.

Johansen and Forrest could both do with a rest this weekend to get themselves ready for the trip to Sweden, and I feel this would be a terrific opportunity for Scott Allan to show what he could do. Mackay-Steven is fit, ready to go and should also start this game. If Ciftci was eligible I would’ve picked him over Griffiths to freshen things up a bit. But with the Turk still suspended, Griffiths should get the nod and given the opportunity to continue his scoring spree.