Celtic face Hibernian in the second round of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday aiming to right the wrongs of last season’s entry into the competition.
In 2023/24, Brendan Rodgers’ side were swiftly knocked out by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, ending hopes of a treble early.
Thankfully the Bhoys did rebound to win a superb league and Scottish Cup double. The team is in a much better place now compared to 12 months ago and hopes are high of progression into the quarter-finals.
Rodgers has made no secret of the fact that he wants to win back the League Cup and he’s likely to field a strong eleven against today’s visitors at Celtic Park.
Nonetheless, a few changes are expected to freshen up the team and get some much-needed game time into the legs of players who could be key performers over the coming weeks.
Potential Celtic team vs Hibernian
We’ll soon find out what the manager’s plans for Viljami Sinisalo will be this season. The new signing could well be utilised as Celtic’s cup goalkeeper to aid his long-term development. However, if he doesn’t feature today then the chances of Kasper Schmeichel starting every game he’s fit for are strong.
Alistair Johnston’s game time will be managed in these opening weeks of the season after a lengthy summer that included an extended stay at the Copa America tournament. After missing training on Friday, there’s a good chance that Anthony Ralston will come in to replace him.
Rodgers won’t want his defence to be too altered, however, so the rest of the defensive line is likely to include Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor to provide stability.
In midfield, we could see Paulo Bernardo ramp up his minutes in a Celtic shirt this season alongside Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley, with Reo Hatate available to make an impact off the bench.
Daizen Maeda is another who could do with minutes after returning from injury as a substitute last weekend. Rodgers will want him fully firing for the upcoming derby against Rangers.
Adam Idah could make Paradise return
There’s no need to take the in-form Nicolas Kuhn out of the team, however. He’ll be hoping to continue his excellent summer.
In attack, Kyogo Furuhashi is a doubt after a shoulder injury at Easter Road. He missed training on Friday with Rodgers stating a late call would be made on his fitness. Regardless, it’s a great opportunity for Adam Idah to come in and make a first start since his permanent signing.
Your predicted XI in full is: Sinisalo, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, O’Riley, Kuhn, Maeda, Idah.
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