Celtic boss Neil Lennon knows that the Bhoys absolutely have to beat Hibs on Monday.
Jack Ross’ side put up one hell of a fight last time round, with Diego Laxalt recovering a point late on (BBC). Neil Lennon’s side went 2-0 down to goals from Jamie Murphy and Kevin Nisbet. A similar capitulation on Monday would increase the pressure on the Celtic boss.
That result came in the midst of a difficult spell for the Bhoys. Since then, Celtic have improved with a midfield diamond, utilising Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull.
Playing two strikers is always a popular option amongst the Hoops faithful. Equally, the side looks better in both defence and attack using the system.
However, with Mikey Johnston ready to break into the first-team, and Celtic failing to find the net last Saturday (Sky Sports), Neil Lennon may want to change things around. Here are 3 options available to him.
Celtic could revert to wider system
Against Jack Ross’ compact Hibs side, the temptation may be to use recognised wingers. Mikey Johnston looks ready to start on the left-hand side, although Elyounoussi is another option.
On the right, things aren’t as clear. Jeremie Frimpong could do a job on that side, in an attacking sense. However, there are injury problems in the defence, meaning that putting Ajer in the right-back slot could put the Celtic defence in a vulnerable position.
Duffy and Welsh would be the most likely centre-back duo in that situation. That can’t be the most comforting thought for Celtic supporters, especially with the form of Hibs’ Kevin Nisbet.
Alternatively, Ryan Christie could be picked on the right of an attacking midfield 3. With Turnbull as a 10, Callum McGregor would pair Ismaila Soro in the deeper midfield positions, with Edouard alone up top.
It would ultimately mean that Celtic would leave out Leigh Griffiths, and play with a solo striker. Fans might not love that idea, but it’s the only feasible way to have Johnston in the team and have our in-form midfielders getting game time.
Edouard and Ajeti up top, diamond shape remains
When is Albian Ajeti going to get another chance at Celtic? Neil Lennon certainly sees Odsonne Edouard as his least droppable striker, so if the Swiss hitman is to get a starting berth any time soon, it’d be Griff who misses out.
That might seem unfair, but to be quite honest, Griffiths hasn’t been near his prolific self in recent weeks. His link-up play has been good and he has scored goals, but not with the volume to make him indispensable.
So, Lennon could pick Ajeti to star against Ross’ side. The former West Ham man has previous in this fixture, having found the net in September (Herald).
Is it time to give Ajeti another opportunity? I’d argue that for £5m, he should be seeing more game time. Worst-case scenario, there are options to change personnel and shape if it’s not working. Celtic boss Neil Lennon, for all his faults, can see when his team aren’t set up the way they should be, and is tactically flexible during matches.
Potentially risky fan service: would Celtic boss Neil Lennon consider a back 3?
Alternatively, and see us out here, Lennon could set up Celtic in a 3-5-2 variant, which fits Johnston and Ajeti into the side. It does mean that the Bhoys would have 3 central defenders playing at once, and given our options, that’s potentially catastrophic.
Still, with Ajer a certainty to start, it could be a massive opportunity for Stephen Welsh and Shane Duffy to make their mark. Duffy isn’t necessarily a guaranteed pick, as he left Dubai early to attend to a family matter.
Celtic fans are desperate to see more youngsters picked in Lennon’s starting XI, and Welsh has shown enough in the Hoops to indicate that he deserves more chances. A home tie against Hibs would represent a potentially busy afternoon for the young defender. But if he’s going to be any use for us going forward, he needs to play this kind of game.
On the left of a midfield 5, Johnston could slot in as an energetic winger. On the right, Frimpong would have defensive and attacking responsibilities, but you’d expect Ajer to play on the right of a defensive three. That would give the Dutchman coverage.
Turnbull, Soro and McGregor would all keep their place under this system, while a front two would placate fans of attacking football; i.e. most everyone.
It’s definitely an option worth considering for Celtic manager Neil Lennon.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
