Celtic travel to Motherwell this evening for another massive night of Scottish Premiership action.
Having opened a seven-point gap over Rangers at the top of the table in recent weeks, tonight could be another pivotal moment in the title race.
Neil Lennon’s team play at the same time as the Ibrox side, who host Hibernian.
The Bhoys have won their last five fixtures in a row, scoring 15 goals in the process and conceding just three. It’s been an excellent response to the derby disaster in December.
Motherwell though could just be our toughest test since the return from Dubai, currently sitting in third position in the table and also up for providing a physical challenge.
However, we have a good record against them this season winning both of our matches, including a 5-2 victory at Fir Park in August.
With Lennon showing tactical flexibility this season and some players returning from injury, there are a number of ways tonight’s starting eleven could go.
The manager has confirmed that Jozo Simunovic is back in the squad for the fixture so seeing another three-man defence would be no surprise, with Kristoffer Ajer and Christopher Jullien completing the set.
More pleasing news is that Mohamed Elyounoussi is ready to take part too, though it would be prudent not to rush him into a high tempo match against the Steelmen and instead have him on the bench to use in the second half.
Jonny Hayes will miss out with a calf strain.
Elsewhere I’m not expecting much change from recent lineups, though the return of Ryan Christie to the starting eleven would be most welcome.
The Scotland international added real life to our performance on Sunday from the bench, assisting Jullien for his vital goal.
He hasn’t started a match since last month’s game against Rangers.
Having his creativity in the team ahead of Olivier Ntcham is the way to go this evening.
With Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths looking sharp in recent matches, they should again get the nod as a two-man attacking force.
Your predicted lineup in full is:
GK – Fraser Forster
CB – Kristoffer Ajer
CB – Christopher Jullien
CB – Jozo Simunovic
RWB – James Forrest
CM – Scott Brown
CM – Callum McGregor
LWB – Greg Taylor
AM – Ryan Christie
ST – Odsonne Edouard
ST – Leigh Griffiths
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