Celtic line-up v Livingston confirmed: Barkas starts, Eddy out, TV details, fans react

By Euan Davidson

January 20, 2021

Celtic have announced their line-up for tonight’s meeting with Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena tonight, via Twitter.

The full match squad is as follows:

Starting XI – Barkas, Taylor, Duffy, Button, Ajer, Soro, McGregor (C), Elyounoussi, Turnbull, Christie, Griffiths

Substitutions – Bain, Brown, Ajeti, Klimala, Rogic, Johnston, Frimpong, Welsh, Laxalt

Celtic welcome back a litany of players, following an enforced absence under Coronavirus protocols. The defence is a surprise, with Ajer presumably playing on the right of a back 4.

Edouard isn’t in the match-day squad, which will give credence to any claims he might be the mystery 2nd player who tested positive for Coronavirus.

Hazard doesn’t feature at all, with Neil Lennon preferring Greek goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas.

The bench looks more familiar, with Laxalt and Frimpong rested after their efforts at the weekend.

Stephen Welsh remains out of the starting XI, while Leigh Griffiths gets a huge opportunity up front. Elyounoussi makes a return in an attacking 4-2-3-1, with Christie set to start on the right.

There had been concerns that the match wouldn’t go ahead, with fans taking to social media to discuss the West Lothian weather.

BBC man Kheredine Idessane confirmed that the match would be going ahead, despite concerns about the conditions.

However, save for any last-minute changes, the Bhoys will take on David Martindale’s side for the second time in a week. For Celtic, it’s a huge opportunity to make a dent on the deficit at the top of the table.

Prior to Saturday’s clash, Martindale’s Livi side had won 8 consecutive matches stretching back to November.

Broadcast Details

Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football will be broadcasting the game live. The ‘Pass to Paradise’ will not be in use tonight, with Sky having exclusive UK and Ireland broadcasting rights.

For viewers outside the UK and Ireland, Celtic TV will be broadcasting the match.

Those unable to watch can listen to live coverage on Radio Scotland, as well as text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

The frozen Tony Macaroni earlier today / (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Fan reaction to Celtic line-up v Livingston

It’s a more familiar feeling for Celtic supporters against Livingston tonight. This is a strong Bhoys’ team, although there are controversial choices in there.

Dropping Hazard after keeping a clean sheet at the weekend seems harsh, while Edouard’s absence will only fuel the rumour mill.

Fans reacted to the line-up news on Twitter.