Predicted XI: Celtic vs. Aberdeen (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 predicted 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; Lustig (Janko), Boyata, Simunovic, Izaguirre; Brown, Bitton; Mackay-Steven, Johansen, Armstrong; Griffiths.

With the international break out-of-the-way and the transfer window closed, it’s time to turn our attention back to matters on the field. All eyes will be on how Ronny Deila lines up the back four this weekend and on Thursday night against Ajax.

One thing that is guaranteed is that Craig Gordon will be in goal after sitting on the bench for Scotland. His saves in the last number of games, especially the late double-save against St Johnstone prove his worth to Celtic after going untested for virtually the entire game. Despite shipping 10 goals in the last six games, many if not all to do with the defence, it’s hard to fault Gordon’s quality in goal.

If Lustig is fit he should start although, I wouldn’t be upset to see Janko lineup at right-back again for Celtic. From what I’ve seen so far, the young Swiss defender is a menace going forward and I will have no problem seeing him start. Izaguirre should be the other starting full-back, but the talking point is who will start at centre-back.

Fans are split as to who should start, but I have gone with Boyata and Simunovic. Boyata is in there because he was bought during the summer to play and learn and he will continue to do that, he just has to be more consistent and shore up his passing.

To say Simunovic isn’t ready to start would raise question marks about the transfer fee. Imagine paying £4 million for a centre-back, given the market Celtic and not starting him. In my eyes, if Celtic dish out that much for a player he should go right into the team. But we will see what happens. The last thing I want to see is Boyata and Ambrose – that would give me nightmares.

Captain Scott Brown is a doubt for Saturday with a recurring hamstring injury since the second-leg against Qarabag causing him problems. If fit enough he should start alongside Bitton. Johansen will play his usual role behind the striker or can slot in for the skipper if need be in defensive midfield.

Armstrong and Mackay-Steven should start with the latter likely to play more in the league and keep Forrest healthy for Thursday night against Ajax and the rest of the European campaign. Up front, there shouldn’t be any surprises with Griffiths starting after Ciftci played for the development squad on Tuesday. But he should get some minutes towards the end of the game to kick-start his Celtic career.

David Walton

(4-2-3-1) Gordon; Lustig, Boyata, Blackett, Izaguirre; Brown, Bitton; Mackay-Steven, Johansen, Armstrong; Griffiths.

In what is no doubt one of the biggest games of the season domestically, it is important that we field the strongest team possible against Aberdeen. Gordon is a given, as is Lustig (if fit). The big talking point will be how the central defence will line-up after the sale of Virgil Van Dijk to Southampton.

I would stick with Boyata as I feel we need some continuity in there, and I would happily pair him with Blackett, despite the signing of Jozo Simunovic. The Croatian hasn’t been in the country very long, whereas Blackett will be used to the British game and will be better suited at this moment in time.

Tierney has impressed whenever played, but this is too big a game to tinker with the team. On this basis, Izaguirre should keep his place. Scott Brown is another one who picks himself, as we will need his drive and energy, and I also think this is the kind of game where Nir Bitton will HAVE to be at his best. It is important we stop the home side’s attacks whenever possible as there is no doubt that their attacking prowess has improved from last season.

Mackay-Steven has always impressed against Aberdeen in recent memory, even when the talented playmaker was at Dundee United. For this reason alone, I would send him on at Pittodrie, a ground where he has been exceptional at in the past. Johansen has been on a poor run of form as of late, with many calling for him to get the chop and for Allan to get his chance.

However, I would resist temptation and keep as many of our experienced heads in there as possible, and would pick Johansen. Armstrong has divided opinion since he signed for the club, but in recent times has picked up his game and shown development. This is the kind of game that can help Armstrong to develop even more when you consider the high-stakes involved, and, after assisting Brown’s goal in our last visit to Pittodrie, I would put him in.

The lone-striker will always be favoured by Ronny Deila, and I would go for Griffiths even though Nadir Ciftci’s suspension is now over. However, in saying that, it could still be an opportunity for Ciftci to announce himself as a Celtic player should we be chasing a goal towards the end of the game.