Oh, how good it feels to write positively about Celtic again, from results, signings, tactics and even the bi-weekly Predicted XI.
Two wins on the spin have put Hoops supporters in an elated mood. It’s no wonder, either, with so many of us heading back to Paradise for the first time in over a year.
It all feels pretty good at the moment. Under the vision of a progressive new manager in Ange Postecoglou, and with some new heroes to applaud, the sun is shining brighter on Kerrydale Street.
No time for complacency, though. Jablonec, despite being dominated last week, showed they don’t need asked twice if we give them space. We take a handsome 4-2 lead [BBC] into the second leg against the Czechs. However, it took Ryan Christie’s intervention to put a more comfortable slant on proceedings.
So, who makes the Celtic Predicted XI to face Jablonec tomorrow night? Let’s have a look.
Celtic Predicted XI: After weekend clean sheet, things look better at the back
Let’s not get carried away, there are still defensive concerns for Celtic supporters. However, a much-needed clean sheet against Dundee will have been a significant boost.
Not to be one of those bores who celebrates defending, nor to over-egg the “threat” brought by Dundee on Sunday, but a clean sheet is a clean sheet. It’s also worth noting that our first goal came directly from a Carl Starfelt interception, too. These things tend to effect each other.
Therefore, why change what’s working? Joe Hart will continue to wear the gloves, with Anthony Ralston on the right, Greg Taylor on the left and the Starfelt-Welsh connection in the middle.
It’s very odd going from “we desperately need defenders” to “if it ain’t broke” within a week. To say that would be wildly reactionary. We still need defenders in the squad.
Still, Ralston is playing his best stuff for Celtic thus far, while Welsh and Starfelt will grow with each game.
Celtic’s dynamic midfield
Now, we have some options here.
Playing Callum McGregor as a number 6 was incredibly effective against Dundee. You draw him further back and into the middle, and the captain is our metronomic creative force.
So, why not repeat the trick? Perhaps, with two attacking midfielders ahead of him in the form of Ryan Christie and David Turnbull?
Rogic was superb against Dundee, but it still looks as if he’s coming back into match fitness. There’d be no objection if he started. But there’s surely a away of having both Christie and Turnbull in the team, before we get to the front three.
Christie was absolutely outstanding on the left-wing, but is just as adept in the middle of the park. After all, he’s more of a traditional number 10 than anything else.
Yes, this is a relentlessly attacking midfield. But after conceding twice last week, it’s hard to believe Ange Postecoglou isn’t determined to absolutely batter Jablonec for 90 minutes.
Celtic Predicted XI: A fit Forrest always makes the team, surely
Now, if you don’t have Christie on the left of a front three, who do you pick? Simple: James Forrest.
Forrest has shown he’s adept at playing either side of an attacking triumvirate. Liel Abada is undroppable on current form, and is more comfortable on the right. He’s got to pick up where he left off against Dundee.
In the striker role? Come on: who else but Kyogo Furuhashi. The 26-year-old Japanese sensation is the name on supporters’ lips, and if you’re anything like me, you’re buzzing to see him get going again.
It’s a very similar look to the team that shellacked Dundee at the weekend, yes. That’s all the more reason to be excited. If Ange-ball is indeed here, then a settled first-team willing to ruthlessly follow the manager’s instructions is a scary prospect. For any club.
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