Celtic have won their last four matches. Feels as nice to type as Celtic are to watch, currently.
Today’s meeting with Brian Rice’s Hamilton is available on Sky One, which is primarily a channel for sitcoms. If you’re planning on keeping it on all day, Celtic v Accies will be followed by The Simpsons and Doolittle. Entertainment, then, is the name of the game.
If Celtic would like to keep the audience that shows Springfield’s foremost family, a youthful, energetic side is the answer. Hamilton – and we can’t stress this enough – have 10 players missing for today’s match. Pace and creativity are the name of the game for this Boxing Day barnstormer.
Here’s who we think will get the nod for today’s 3pm kick-off.
Hazard to keep his place, Celtic to keep the 4
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s a cliché, yes, but it’s surely what Neil Lennon will be thinking as his team make the short bus trip to Hamilton. Celtic looked convincing if unspectacular against John Hughes’ Ross County (BBC), and the defensive solidity shown throughout was a massive comfort.
Lennon played Conor Hazard, currently our first-choice No.1, with Laxalt, Jullien, Ajer and Frimpong. Barring any late injury news, we’d expect the same back 4 to start today.
Shane Duffy will most likely be available (Glasgow Live), however it seems ridiculous to mess with a successful defence unless Lennon is going to try a back 3 again. For the record, we don’t think he should this time round.
Wouldn’t expect any surprises here, but feel free to get in touch when I’m inevitably proven wrong.
Broony back for Celtic?
Scott Brown was assessed yesterday, and he might well make the team. That said, with Soro impressing on his third start for against Ross County, we wouldn’t expect to see too many changes to the Bhoys’ midfield in general.
Celtic used a kind of midfield diamond, with the Ivorian Soro playing behind Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Ryan Christie. It worked well against the Staggies and would serve us well against Hamilton, too.
In our Scout Report, we talked about Accies flooding the central areas and getting men behind the ball, so width via our full-backs and the roving McGregor and Turnbull would suit the shape we’re likely to face.
Christie and Turnbull in particular are likely to cause Brian Rice’s side all kinds of problems, with their intelligent movement and first-time passes. Given our prediction for the rest of the XI, we really do think the shape and personnel from the Ross County victory are the best choice to see us through this one.
French Eddy and Griff need to rebuild partnership
Edouard and Griffiths had some good moments against Hughes’ Ross County but the sharpness and telepathy shown by the duo wasn’t quite there. If Lennon is to get the best out of this front two, they need a run of games, and I’d expect them both to start today.
As we’ve discussed after the Ross County game, Celtic’s second was an example of the good things that can come from the Eddy/Griff partnership. Edouard’s strength and movement is always going to trouble opposition defenders. The Frenchman distracted enough bodies to free up Leigh Griffiths for his sumptuous header.
With Christie and Turnbull arming the front two with plenty of crosses and quick through balls, there’s fun to be had. Griffiths enjoys these kinds of matches, and Eddy got a hat-trick against Accies on opening day.
Our predicted XI
For once, we’re actually convinced Neil Lennon will name an unchanged side. Call us foolish if you wish, but there’s quite literally no reason to change anything.
We expect the following (R-L):
Hazard, Frimpong, Ajer, Jullien, Laxalt, Soro, Christie, Turnbull, McGregor, Edouard, Griffiths.
Miss any of our Christmas Day content? Here’s John McGinley discussing 3 exciting Celtic youngsters we want to see more of in 2021.
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