We’re on the cusp of Celtic resuming the 2021/22 season after a much-needed winter break in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic, boosted by new signings and major injury returns, are in a good position entering the second half of the season. There are three trophies to play for and it all starts at home to Hibernian on Monday night.
But after so many updates since the win against St Johnstone on Boxing Day, what kind of eleven will we see deployed against Hibs? Here’s our best shot at a predicted XI.
Joe Hart should return to the starting line-up after missing out against St Mirren and St Johnstone. Again fit and available, he’ll re-assert himself as the number one pick between the sticks.
Josip Juranovic, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Greg Taylor are all likely to feature from the start for the visit of Hibs.
There are strong arguments to include Anthony Ralston but I get the sense these four are Ange Postecoglou’s preferred defensive line currently.
Christopher Jullien has already returned to training but starting him in a high-intensity match so soon is a risk I can’t see the manager taking.
In midfield, Callum McGregor will be available to come back into the team after an absence. He should be joined by Tom Rogic and Celtic’s first debutant on this list.
Reo Hatate is the most viable candidate to fill in for the injured David Turnbull, who has not yet recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in the Scottish League Cup final. It will be fascinating to see how the new midfielder performs.
Yosuke Ideguchi is also available but given McGregor is so adept at playing in a deeper midfield position, he could be left waiting on his first start.
Jota has returned to Celtic training but Postecoglou has tempered expectations on an immediate return so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liel Abada and Mikey Johnston on each flank.
That leaves new boy Daizen Maeda to get the spotlight as the team’s striker. With Kyogo not in training through the week, it seems unlikely he’ll be back.
Giorgos Giakoumakis is also returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is more likely to start on the bench.
Your predicted XI in full is Hart, Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, Rogic, Abada, Johnston, Maeda.
In other news, Class Postecoglou comments as he once again lifts lid on relationship with Celtic CEO Nicholson.
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