The big narrative heading into today’s Celtic final vs Hibs is the injury status of key players such as Kyogo Furuhashi and James Forrest.
However, the truth is, Celtic have the depth and quality available to punish the Easter Road outfit regardless of who Ange Postecoglou deploys today.
The manager was coy about the status of both Kyogo and Forrest this weekend, stating that training yesterday at Lennoxtown was key to their inclusion today.
However, the fact they haven’t been ruled out completely is good enough news. I have a sneaking suspicion we could see both involved today, even if off the bench.
Joe Hart is a guarantee to start in goal. After his stunning contribution this season and mid-week, Anthony Ralston surely has to start on the right flank.
That leaves Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Greg Taylor to round out the back-four. Starfelt is not suspended despite his Wednesday sending off. Taylor was rested against Ross County but should make it into today’s eleven.
The central midfield area should see the big return of a rested Tom Rogic, playing alongside David Turnbull and supported by super captain Callum McGregor.
McGregor told me on Friday about the incredible progress that has been made at the Bhoys over the last six months. It’d be unreal to see him lift the trophy today.
Rogic has been an exceptional player for us in recent weeks so it’ll be great to see him back.
This all leaves the attack and, considering I have no information otherwise, I am predicting a Josip Juranovic, Liel Abada and Mikey Johnston front three.
Juranvoic played wide right in the attack against County, with Abada through the middle. Johnston was spotted in training on Friday too, so we know he’s in contention.
However, don’t be despondent. With Postecoglou playing his cards so close to his chest, we could get a surprise Kyogo or James Forrest start. If not, fingers crossed they at least make the full squad to potentially make an impact in the second half.
Your full Predicted XI is: Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Turnbull, Rogic, Juranovic, Johnston, Abada.
In other news, Bernard Higgins confirms he won’t be joining Celtic.
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