After a woeful 1-1 draw in Suduva on Thursday, here’s how Celtic could line-up against Hamilton Academical today.
The Hoops need a pick-me-up after the dreadful performance in Suduva. The passive display combined with bad defensive errors meant that Celtic could only take a 1-1 draw in Lithuania.
Brendan Rodgers’ men once again disappointed their manager. It was an incredibly flat display with hardly any performers deserving of keeping their place this weekend.
However, a side will have to be selected and the manager will have to stick by certain players.
Therefore, here are the changes Rodgers could make to his Celtic line-up against Accies.
The right-back problem
Firstly, Cristian Gamboa had a real chance to cement his place at right-back against Suduva, but he failed miserably. Failing to adequately control the ball or pass it efficiently, the Costa Rican was poor.
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Mikael Lustig has been Rodgers’ first-choice down the right hand side throughout his tenure. It wouldn’t be surprising if the manager went back to his favourable selection this afternoon. Lustig has been criticised for his defending in recent months, but Gamboa made a shocking error to allow Suduva their equaliser on Thursday night.
Mikey Johnston has made an impression in the last couple of games.
Against Partick Thistle, the youngster was lively and not afraid to have a pop at goal. It sometimes came at the expense of better passing alternatives. However, it was an energetic performance nevertheless.
The 19-year-old then continued his impressive form by assisting Olivier Ntcham in the 3rd-minute against Suduva. It was a wicked cross, and the winger was once again extremely lively.
Rogic return?
However, with the third game in just over a week coming up today, Johnston could be dropped for Tom Rogic. This would allow Callum McGregor to operate down the left and Rogic to take up his central role behind the striker.
Speaking of the striker, Leigh Griffiths should be given his place back today against Hamilton.
Against Suduva, the forward was dropped for Moussa Dembele. The Frenchman put in a below-par display, and was guilty of some bad misses throughout the match.
Griffiths has done nothing to suggest he deserves to lose his place in the side. Therefore, the Scottish internationalist deserves to be given his spot back once more.
Below is the predicted starting XI in full:
CRAIG GORDON (GK)
MIKAEL LUSTIG (RB)
KRISTOFFER AJER (CB)
JOZO SIMUNOVIC (CB)
KIERAN TIERNEY (LB)
SCOTT BROWN (CDM)
OLIVIER NTCHAM (CDM)
JAMES FORREST (RM)
TOM ROGIC (CAM)
CALLUM MCGREGOR (LM)
LEIGH GRIFFITHS (ST)