CELTIC face Livingston on Wednesday evening, playing the postponed match from September.
The Hoops faced a very defensive Aberdeen side at the weekend and will be facing a similar set-up at Parkhead, but as Ange Pointed out, it won’t be the same with different players offering different strengths and weaknesses.
The team Postecoglou will deploy for the match pretty much picks itself, with only a few positions up for debate.
Joe Hart will keep his place between the sticks, he’s come under criticism this season, but there’s no indication that the English shot-stopper will lose his starting space.
Ralston will start on the right of defence, with World Cup star Josip Juranovic enjoying a well-deserved week off.
The defensive partnership of Carter-Vickers and Starfelt returned at Pittodrie. Starfelt shone throughout the match, and I believe both of them will keep their place in the team.
Postecoglou has rotated Bernabei and Taylor this season, but the Scottish internationalist will keep his place in the lineup.
The midfield picks itself. Callum McGregor was immense at the weekend, marking his return form injury in style with the winning goal. Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate will start ahead of the Celtic captain, with the duo among Celtic’s best performers of the season.
The front line is a tricky one to predict, with the manager having many options. Despite Haksabanovic being available, I think he’ll start on the bench. Abada will take the right-wing role, with Postecoglou admitting the Israeli was very effective at the weekend playing against a low block.
Kyogo will continue through the middle, despite receiving criticism from many over the past few months. Many have been suggesting that Giakouamkis should be leading the line, but Postecoglou has been keeping the faith in the man from Japan.
Jota is one of the first names on the team sheet, and on Wednesday that’ll be no different.
It’s another big game for the Celtic, who need the three points to maintain their nine-point lead at the top of the table.
