CELTIC have rarely been able to call on a full strength side this season. There has always been an injury, suspension or illness that’s excluded Ange from having a full pool of players to choose from.
In the first half of the season, Celtic were in dire straights when it came to fielding a team and our bench was non-existent at times.
The January window alleviated some major concerns – the manager bringing in reinforcements who contributed from the off.
As we go into the final stretch of games, Celtic still can’t call on their full strength side. Kyogo and Turnbull have been out for a long time – but to the team’s credit – they’ve done very well in their absence.
The news this week that both David and Kyogo are back on the training field has got me thinking; what is Celtic’s strongest starting XI?
The defence near enough takes care of itself at this point as well as the goalkeeping position. Hart; Taylor, Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Juranovic.
Many have said it will be difficult for David to get back into the Celtic midfield – BUT I do think he will have a part to play before the end of the season – but can he currently be considered someone who would be part of Celtic’s strongest starting XI? I’m not certain.
There are a few permutations at play in the midfield three – depending on your preference. However, Callum McGregor in the holding position with Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley seems like the best we have but Tom Rogic could easily slide in there instead of Matt, we know Tom on his day is a massive handful for the opposition. Hatate’s form hasn’t been the best as of late, the player might need a rest and that’s where Turnbull could come in.
Up front, if we had everyone to choose from – that list goes; Maeda, Jota, Abada, Forrest, Kyogo, Giakoumakis and Dembele.
No disrespect to Maeda and Giakoumakis who have been doing well – but our strongest front three in my opinion is; Abada, Jota and Kyogo.
My Strongest Celtic Starting XI:
- Hart
- Taylor
- Carter-Vickers
- Starfelt
- Juranovic
- Callum McGregor (C)
- Hatate
- O’Riley
- Jota
- Abada
- Kyogo
If we have this team for the run-in, it would be hard to see past Celtic.
Again, because Ange has built well, I could see some people tweaking what they think Celtic’s best side is. Some might fancy Cal Mac further forward and have Bitton in the holding role.
The great thing is Celtic can really mix things up and still come out with a winning team.
During the Cup game against Dundee Utd, we never had Kyogo, Jota, Abada and Turnbull. Before that game, those 4 had scored 49 of Celtic’s 101 goals this season. To go out and win 3-0 was outstanding.
