Celtic take on Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon, knowing a win will send them further clear of St Mirren and Rangers ahead of their Sunday clash.
The last time the two teams met, Derek McInnes’ outfit knocked the Bhoys out of the Scottish League Cup, so there’s a bit of revenge on the table today.
Celtic have improved since then and Brendan Rodgers actually has a pretty strong squad to choose from with players returning from injury and suspension.
But what eleven will the manager go with, is there a chance to freshen things up from mid-week exertions? Here’s our best go at the team today…
Joe Hart will be back in league action this afternoon after serving a suspension against Motherwell last weekend. He’s clear of both Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist as the club’s number one when available.
Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor will take their place on the defensive flanks, but there could be a switch up in the central area.
Cameron Carter-Vickers returned off the bench against Lazio and although his error led to their late, late winner, it would be fantastic to see him back in the eleven today. The Bhoys have massive games against Hearts, Atletico Madrid and Hibs after the international break and building the USA international’s match fitness is key.
Who plays alongside is up for debate – Nat Phillips and Gustaf Lagerbielke are both available but I’d go with Liam Scales. The Irishman has been in superb form over the last few weeks and didn’t look out of place up against the Italians. He deserves to keep his place in the side.
In midfield, there could be a chance to freshen things up, although Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley looked nailed on to start. With Reo Hatate heading to Japan for a gruelling international break, it could be a chance to give Paulo Bernardo his first start after he impressed off the bench mid-week.
Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi are too important to rest, however, and I’d expect them to be in the attack. However, a change could come here with the introduction of Luis Palma for his first Premiership start.
The Honduran netted a crucial goal last weekend and was so close to being the hero on Wednesday night. It’d be great to see what he can do from the start against Killie, in place of Hyunjun Yang.
Your Predicted XI in full is: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, O’Riley, Bernardo, Maeda, Palma, Kyogo.
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