Celtic play Motherwell today knowing they can move a massive 15 points clear of second-placed Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys have been on a relentless run of form this season, last losing domestically all the way back in September against St Mirren. They’ll be red-hot favourites to punish the Steelmen today.
But one week out from a massive semi-final against Rangers, what team will the manager go for? Who’s returning and who will miss out? Here’s our best go at today’s eleven based on what we know…
Potential Celtic team vs Motherwell
Joe Hart will continue in goal and it’s expected that Postecoglou’s prime back four will feature in front of him. Cameron Carter-Vickers returns to contention after missing out against Kilmarnock, with Carl Starfelt, Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston all fit too.
In midfield, hopes are high that the trio of Callum McGregor, Tomoki Iwata and Matt O’Riley will be given a start. These three were tremendous in the away victory over Kilmarnock, showing fluidity in the central areas that the opposition found it hard to cope with. All three players are adept positionally and in building defence into attack, rotating around the midfield and capable of dominating proceedings.
This midfield is far from a guarantee, of course, with Aaron Mooy still looking to get back to the best of his form and David Turnbull always eager for minutes.
In attack, Jota is expected to again miss out through injury. Liel Abada has returned to training but isn’t likely to feature either. That means that Daizen Maeda and Sead Haksabnovic are the most like wide duo to support Kyogo Furuhashi through the middle. Kyogo is hunting for his 30th Celtic goal in all competitions this season.
That would leave a strong bench to support proceedings with Hyeongyu Oh in particular ready to make his mark at Celtic Park again. Meanwhile, youthful options such as Rocco Vata and Ben Summers could get more exposure to first-team football.
Your Predicted XI in full is: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, O’Riley, Iwata, Haksabanovic, Maeda, Kyogo.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
