A midweek domestic fixture awaits as Celtic prepare to host Hamilton Accies on what will be a cold night in Glasgow’s East end.
The Hoops made it ten wins on the bounce in all competitions as they cruised to a 4-1 win over Ross County on Sunday. The four hour journey to Dingwall proved to be worth it for the travelling fans as goals from Ryan Christie (x2), Tom Rogic and Mikey Johnston cancelled out Ross Stewart’s equaliser.
Neil Lennon’s side remain top of the league on goal difference and will look ahead to Wednesday night’s game as one they should be comfortably winning.
Hamilton played out a goalless draw with Livingston on Saturday, extening their winless run to eight games. They now sit ninth in the table.
Mohamed Elyounoussi will return to training on ‘Wednesday or Thursday’ according to Neil Lennon, so will miss this one. Bolingoli is also out, and Odsonne Edouard is being assessed ahead of the weekend’s League Cup final.
Accies defender Ciaran McKenna has been ruled out of Wednesday’s fixture, as has midfielder Blair Alston.
Here is our predicted Celtic lineup.
GK: Fraser Forster
Was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet on Sunday. Should comfortably retain his place.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong
Should start once again. Needs game-time ahead of the cup final as he remains first-choice right-back with Elhamed out.
CB: Nir Bitton
Could Lennon decide to switch things up at the back and give Bitton a start? He has been in the news recently as talks remain ‘ongoing’ over a possible contract extension.
CB: Kristoffer Ajer
Provided a perfectly weighted pass for Christie’s second goal on Sunday. Likely to start once more.
LB: Greg Taylor
Another solid display at the weekend means he will continue his run in the team, especially as he can’t play in the cup final.
CM: Scott Brown (C)
Looks sharp and in good condition ahead of a busy fixture schedule.
CM: Callum McGregor
Will slot in alongside Brown in the centre of the park and look to do a tidy job as he has done so often before.
CAM: Ryan Christie
His double against Ross County now means he has 15 goals to his name this season. Not bad at all for a midfielder.
RM: James Forrest
Likely to occupy that right-wing spot once more. Could give Hamilton’s defence a tough time if he is on form.
LM: Mikey Johnston
Two appearances and two goals since returning from a three month injury absence, and he hasn’t started in either of those games. Looks in great shape and can only get better.
ST: Leigh Griffiths
Got another 15 minutes under his belt on Sunday and looks to be getting sharper day-by-day. Starting on Wednesday could see him bag a goal and raise his confidence.