League debut, midfielder drops out; Celtic predicted XI vs Aberdeen

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In just a few hours time Celtic will kick-off one of the biggest games of the season to date away to Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

There’s little room for error in the Scottish Premiership right now, with teams streaking ahead of Ange Postecoglou’s team at the top of the table.

A Hearts victory yesterday has put them eight points ahead of Celtic, while Rangers have a six-point advantage and also play today.

So, what team will the manager go for in an effort to pick up all three points available?

Joe Hart is certain to start in goal after another fine performance for the club on Thursday night. Indeed, had it not been for him the result against Bayer Leverkusen could have been even worse.

In defence, there’s little option but to go with Anthony Ralston on the right flank with Josip Juranovic still out with a hamstring injury.

Expect to see both Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt centrally. That appears to be the manager’s preferred pairing moving forward.

On the left flank, there’s a decision to be made between Adam Montgomery, Liam Scales and Boli Bolingoli. Montgomery had a tough night on Thursday and for me this is the game to give Scales his league debut after impressing off the bench against Raith Rovers in the cup.

Midfield is where the big calls will be made. There’s a thirst amongst Celtic fans to see a more pragmatic three that gives us more structure and fight than what we’ve seen in recent matches.

Callum McGregor has had no ill-reaction to his Thursday return, per the manager, so he’s almost certain to start.

For me, McGregor should be given license to break forward as a number eight, with James McCarthy performing the holding role.

David Turnbull struggled throughout Thursday night’s clash and I reckon this could be a could match for him to sit out, or make an impact off the bench. That would leave Tom Rogic to be the creative outlet in support of attackers, and we know he loves a goal against Aberdeen.

A sparkling attack of Liel Abada, Jota and Kyogo could be thrilling to watch and that’s the trio that should get the nod from Ange this lunchtime.

Time to win Celtic!

Your predicted XI in full is: Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Scales, McCarthy, McGregor, Rogic, Abada, Jota, Kyogo.

In other news, Celtic prospect wins player of the month twice in a row out on loan.