Following the terrific 2-0 win over Cluj, it’s back to league duty for Celtic, as Neil Lennon’s side travel to Livingston’s artificial pitch on Sunday.
Interestingly enough, it is Lennon’s first visit to the Tony Macaroni Stadium as Celtic boss. Last season’s visit was managed by Brendan Rodgers, and the Hoops were held to a 0-0 draw.
With Celtic only one point ahead at the top of the league, the Hoops will be eager to stay top of the league going into the international break with a win.
As it will be a tough game, the Hoops boss will likely not ring the changes, despite the midweek match against Cluj.
Bearing that in mind, here is our predicted Celtic XI for the trip to Livingston:
The team
Fraser Forster is likely to keep his place in the Hoops side in goals. He has been excellent since returning to the Hoops from Southampton, and he showed that with a few good saves against Cluj. Hatem Abd Elhamed returned to the Hoops side for the game against Cluj, and he looks set to edge out Moritz Bauer and keep his place in the starting line-up.
At centre-back, the duo of Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer have made a formidable partnership in recent weeks. Expect that partnership to continue against Livingston.
There could be a change at left-back. Boli Bolingoli played very well against Cluj. However, the plastic pitch of Livingston could suit Greg Taylor, who played on a similar surface for Kilmarnock. Therefore, we are predicting a Taylor debut for the Hoops.
When it comes to the midfield, there could be thoughts to bring Olivier Ntcham back into the side, but Scott Brown and Callum McGregor were both at their best against Cluj. Expect the two to start against Livingston.
Good bet to find the back of the net
Further forward, if the Hoops are looking for a goal, a good bet could be Ryan Christie, who is already in double figures for the season. He should get the nod to start in an attacking midfield role.
On the right wing, James Forrest will most likely continue in the side after another good display, this time against Cluj. On the left wing, we think that Scott Sinclair will return to the side. Even though Mohamed Elyounoussi was excellent against Cluj, Sinclair has been involved more often in recent weeks, and that looks set to be rewarded with a rare start.
Up-front, there is only one choice for the lone striker role – and that is the in-from Odsonne Edouard.
Here is our predicted XI in list form:
GK – Fraser Forster
RB – Hatem Abd Elhamed
CB – Christopher Jullien
CB – Kristoffer Ajer
LB – Greg Taylor
CM – Scott Brown
CM – Callum McGregor
RM – James Forrest
CAM – Ryan Christie
LM – Scott Sinclair
ST – Odsonne Edoaurd
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