As Celtic shifts focus from the Premiership title race to the Scottish Cup, they face Livingston in the quarter-finals at Parkhead.
Despite the apparent ease of the tie against the struggling visitors, Celtic’s inconsistent performances this season mean the outcome is far from a foregone conclusion.
Following a rollercoaster week that saw them demolish Dundee 7-1 before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle under contentious circumstances, Brendan Rodgers’ side is under pressure to regain their form and consistency.
Looking ahead to the Livingston match, Rodgers is expected to field a strong lineup, with no room for complacency as Celtic aims to defend their Scottish Cup title. The predicted starting XI reflects Rodgers’ intent to take no chances in this crucial knockout fixture.
Predicted Celtic XI vs Livingston:
Joe Hart is set to continue between the sticks, providing his invaluable experience and leadership.
Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, and Greg Taylor are expected to form the core of the backline.
The midfield sees a shake-up from the last outing. While Iwata and O’Riley are expected to retain their places, Daniel Kelly could make his first senior start, injecting fresh energy and creativity into the midfield engine room. Bernardo’s early substitution last weekend opens the door for Kelly’s inclusion.
The front three will undergo adjustments due to Yang’s suspension and Palma’s injury. Kuhn will join the starting XI, seeking to make an impactful impression having failed to do so so far. Idah is likely to lead the line, with Maeda continuing to operate from the left flank, providing pace and directness.
Wouldn’t disagree with the predicted starting line up, but hardly going to have a bench that will inspire confidence, if we continue to struggle to break down another anti football mob?
Again the wider areas would be my biggest concern?
Maeda has had a shockingly poor season to date, and totally unexpected from him imo?
Kuhn hasn’t shown to much so far, early days but need him to start producing as hardly need another very questionable signing upon our books either?
In a season where we have already used 10 different options in the wide areas to date, we potentially are going into a game where we are struggling for replacements in the wider areas?
Ridiculous situation to find ourselves in?
Out of them 10, we have let 4 go, 2 unavailable for tomorrow, 1 youngster who’s a LB but done well in a CL appearance, but not to be seen again so far?
So left with forrest, who’s well past his sell by date presently?
Could we bring the total up to 12 by opting for kyogo and vata in the wider areas?
Out of all the options we have tried, we still haven’t found 1 player that has produced on a consistent basis in the wide areas all season?
So how Rodgers can claim his system and methods are working is way beyond me to understand when the facts are giving us a totally different story?
We don’t get the early goals required tomorrow, this could well be another very long and tedious afternoon, that unfortunately is the type of team we have become, which is a scandalous situation to find our club in imo?