Celtic host Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership today, hoping to at least maintain a nine-point gap at the top of the table.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are in outrageous domestic form this season, dropping points in just two matches, and will again be red-hot favourites for this afternoon’s encounter.
With few injury issues and plenty of talent to choose from, what XI will the manager go for? Here’s our best go at today’s team…
Joe Hart will continue in goal as the club’s number-one pick.
The defence in front of him should be unchanged from the St Mirren Scottish Cup clash too. There’s no reason to bench any of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt or Greg Taylor – unless Postecoglou specifically wants to give game time to an alternative option to build fitness.
In midfield, there will definitely be a switch-up, with last week’s starter David Turnbull picking up a knock and missing out on today’s game.
That means Reo Hatate is likely to come back into the team alongside captain Callum McGregor and the in-form Aaron Mooy. However, Matt O’Riley also looked sharp off the bench last week, so the manager has options if today isn’t one for Mooy and Hatate.
In attack, there’s a decision to be made on Kyogo Furuhashi. The Japanese striker has had no issues in training following his feared shoulder injury last week but it could be a good game to rest him, ahead of next week’s huge League Cup final against Rangers.
In the end, I think the manager will play him from the start today, even with Hyeongyu Oh available following his January transfer. Postecoglou often goes with his strongest choice and there seems little concern Kyogo has a problem that needs nursing.
Flanked by Jota and Daizen Maeda, the Bhoys will have an exceptional attack ready to exploit opportunities against the Dons.
Your predicted XI in full is: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, Mooy, Jota, Maeda, Kyogo.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
