JOHN HARTSON believes that Ange Postecoglou may turn to Kyogo to lead the line at Hampden on Sunday.
Postecoglou had to take Giakoumakis off the park on Saturday after he pulled up. Since then, he has cast doubt if the striker will be able to make Sunday’s highly anticipated match.
Because of the striker’s potential absence, Hartson has suggested that Japanese internationalist, Kyogo Furuhashi, could receive the nod from Ange on Sunday.
Speaking to Go Radio, Hartson named the team he thinks will line up on Sunday’s Glasgow Derby;
“The back four will stay the same, and I think the midfield will remain the same. The only one for me will be O’Riley or Hatate. And then it’ll be Maeda, Jota, and if Giakoumakis isn’t fit, then I see Kyogo starting.
“Why wouldn’t he start him? I think he’s been back enough now. He’ll be dying to get back on the scoresheet, and he’s such an enthusiastic and quality player. What an impact he made before he got injured.”
Postecoglou has options now, unlike at the start of the season. He could move Maeda to the middle and allow Jota to take up his position on the left wing, bringing Abada back into the starting line-up.
Postecoglou has already stated that Kyogo will likely miss out on the starting eleven at Hampden, but it’s hard to imagine the striker will be too pleased about that. The number eight will be working exceptionally hard in training, trying to impress his manager.
Postecoglou will confirm Giakoumakis’ state of play during his pre-match press conference, likely taking place on Friday.
