Ahead of Celtic’s home game against Rangers this Sunday, we at Read Celtic will role-play and predict the starting XI.
We will be playing the role of Brendan Rodgers and will be choosing the starting XI, as well as predicting how the team will 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.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have the chance to wrap up the league title against their Glasgow rivals this weekend if they secure all three points at Celtic Park.
The Hoops are ten points clear at the top with four games to play, with the race for second heating up as Rangers, Aberdeen and Hibs all battle it out.
The Scottish international is back fit which means Rodgers has healthy competition on his hands with him and Bain. It’s clear the Irishman would prefer to go with the more experienced option.
Jack Hendry
With Lustig a doubt to be match fit for Sunday, 22-year-old Hendry may have to cover at right-back. He played in the position for spells in last weekend’s game.
Kristoffer Ajer
The Norwegian youngster has been a first-team regular for quite some time now, so it’ll be no surprise to see his name on the team sheet.
Dedryck Boyata
Is one of Rodgers’ favourites to have in the team when he is fit. Can be shaky at times at the back, so hopefully he puts in a good shift on Sunday.
Kieran Tierney
Recently crowned Celtic’s YPOTY for a third successive time, KT is without a doubt one of the first name’s on the team sheet when he’s fit. His ability to get forward and square a ball into the danger area makes him one of the best.
Scott Brown
Was acknowledged for his superb efforts this season as he was given Celtic’s POTY award. The team don’t seem to function quite as efficiently as they do without the captain commanding things in the middle of the park.
Olivier Ntcham
Absolutely strolled it the last time the sides met in the Scottish Cup semi-final. Has all the characteristics needed to be a top midfielder. He and Brown make a great midfield pairing as one does the dirty work whilst the other drives forward to create plenty of chances.
Patrick Roberts
Surely it’s about time he starts? The winger has made a number of substitute appearances since returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He’s no stranger to these sort of games, as he has registered a few assists against Sunday’s opponents.
Tom Rogic
Was one of the better performers in last weekend’s defeat to Hibs, though the team as a whole were very poor. Has two goals in the previous two games against Sunday’s opponents. Can he keep that run going?
Callum McGregor
Performed as a left-winger in the 4-0 hammering over Rangers earlier this month. Rodgers may decide to play him there again this time around.
Moussa Dembele
Missed last weekend’s game due to a knock, but he’s back and ready for action once again. Was MOTM in the semi-final v them at Hampden, so hopefully he’ll put in the same type of performance here again.