Celtic have announced their first-team squad to face Hamilton Academical tonight at Celtic Park.
The full match squad is as follows:
Starting XI – Bain, Ajer, Duffy, Bitton, Taylor, Soro, McGregor (C), Turnbull, Elyounoussi, Griffiths, Edouard
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Substitutes – Barkas, Ajeti, Klimala, Christie, Rogic, Johnston, Ralston, Welsh, Laxalt
Surprises come in the form of Bain starting, while it looks like the midfield diamond has returned. Elyounoussi presumably plays number 10 in a more familiar shape for Neil Lennon’s side.
Kristoffer Ajer fills in at right-back, with the departure of Jeremie Frimpong announced earlier today.
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Join the forum now >>Fans will be heartened to see Edouard return to the side, along with Leigh Griffiths in a clinical front two. Meanwhile, Welsh once again makes the bench, with Duffy preferred next to Nir Bitton.
The Bhoys will be looking to turn around a difficult week. Manager speculation, the loss of an important player and fan protest have been the main stories as Celtic’s crisis continues.
Hamilton have only picked up one win in their last 6 matches [WhoScored?].
The last meeting between the two sides saw Celtic pick up a 3-0 win, with goals from Edouard, Griffiths and Turnbull [Sky Sports].
Hamilton boss Brian Rice has played down his side’s chances of finding a result at Celtic Park. Rice said [BT Sport]:
“We’re going to Parkhead to play the strongest Celtic team possible. We’re Hamilton Accies and nobody gives us a chance. If Celtic were top of the league, what would people be saying? Hamilton has absolutely no chance.
“Because Celtic aren’t top of the league, it’s a good time to face Celtic? Rubbish. Absolute rubbish.
“We’re going there as massive underdogs but we’ll go see where it takes us.”
Edouard arrives at Celtic Park / (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Celtic v Hamilton: Broadcast info
The Celtic v Hamilton match kicks off at 7.45pm. Sky do not have broadcast rights, and the match will be shown solely through the Pass to Paradise.
Punditry comes from ex-Celts John Collins and Stephen McManus, with coverage starting at 7.15pm.
BBC Radio Scotland will be covering the match, with live commentary available online [BBC]. The national broadcaster will also be providing live text updates through their website and app.
Fan reaction to Celtic line-up
Celtic supporters have reacted with the typical confusion that follows a line-up announcement. The absence of Ryan Christie was a particular point of focus, while the goalkeeping situation continues to confound.
scott pain
— Aidan Drennan (@AidanKD67) January 27, 2021
Bitton & Duffy at centre back at home to Hamilton when the league is done. Welsh on the bench. Developing youth & planning for the future 👏🏼
— Big Ernie (@RRumbles6) January 27, 2021
Bain in goal 😮 he’s lost the plot.
— Scott68 (@Graham6895) January 27, 2021
Eddy and Griff up front 3-0 Celtic HH 🍀🍀
— Helen McCallum (@HMccallum1967) January 27, 2021
Congratulations Scott Bain on winning the Goalie Raffle this week
— Caesar1967 (@Caesar19671) January 27, 2021
Taylor starting ahead of Laxalt 👍🏼
— David Burns (@davidburns99) January 27, 2021
“Barkas is our number 1” is he aye?
— mh 🏴 (@_MH_67) January 27, 2021
Christie dropped about the only positive in this line up
— Stacey Devlin (@StaceyDevlinxxx) January 27, 2021
Lennon Picking the keeper pic.twitter.com/MKLXYLQT0d
— Kiwi (@Kiwi_181) January 27, 2021
I’d rather have the guy that was in goal for most of December when we won some games, and a cup final. Let Hazard develop! Also, I’ve given up trying to work out what formation we’re playing.
— Flynn 🎃 (@eightsixonesix) January 27, 2021