Celtic are back in action tonight in the Scottish Premiership.
After defeat to Livingston prior to the recent international break, there were question marks about the Hoops’ ability to compete on multiple fronts moving forward.
Since the return to club action though, Neil Lennon’s side have looked in great shape, picking up three victories that set them up well for a busy couple of months.
Tonight’s fixture at home to St Mirren follows hot on the heels from a superb 4-0 win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Played just days ahead of what could be a gruelling Hampden fixture in the Scottish League Cup semi- final, Lennon could see it as an opportune to use the full depth of his squad and rest some key players.
What big decisions could he make in tonight’s starting eleven?
A Greg Taylor debut?
The former Kilmarnock left-back has yet to feature for the Hoops since making a switch in the summer transfer window. The excellent form of Boli Bolingoli has kept him out of team.
More often than not, Taylor has not even made the matchday squad on the bench.
Last week though Lennon hinted that his debut was around the corner, telling The Scottish Sun: “He’ll be patient and I am sure that when his chance comes he will take it.
“Working every day with the players, sports scientists and fitness coaches here will make him better.
“But I understand there’s a need for him to play and he’ll get that opportunity with so many games coming up.”
Tonight’s match seems like the best opportunity to utilise him, keeping Bolingoli fresh for the weekend and allowed Taylor to get his first taste of action at Celtic Park as a Hoops player.
Jeremie Frimpong retains his place?
The teenage right-back has looked exceptional in first three outings and deserves to retain his place in defence tonight against St Mirren. It’s another match he would not be out of his depth in.
Asking him to start a national semi-final so soon in his career could be a big ask, with Hatem Abd Elhamed likely best suited for that fixture.
Frimpong has another creativity and attacking guile to help break down the Buddies too, who are unlikely to test us too much defensively.
The visitors have only scored five league goals all season, less than anyone else in the division.
Ryan Christie returns?
After serving a two-match suspension, attacking midfielder Ryan Christie is ready to come back into the team in replacement of Tom Rogic.
The Australian is again feeling a knee issue in the wake of Sunday’s match against Aberdeen (The Scottish Sun). Christie would have likely immediately returned in any case.
He’s been in lightning form on almost every occasion he’s played this season and should be seen as one of Celtic’s most important players.
Other team news
Olivier Ntcham is back in contention for a start after returning to training. Leigh Griffiths remains out, with Vakoun Bayo also picking up a knock. Elsewhere Christopher Jullien should be fine to compete despite suffering from an illness on Sunday.
Your predicted lineup in full is:
GK – Fraser Forster
RB – Jeremie Frimpong
CB – Christopher Jullien
CB – Kristoffer Ajer
LB – Greg Taylor
CM – Scott Brown
CM – Callum McGregor
RW – James Forrest
AM – Ryan Christie
LW – Mohamed Elyounoussi
ST – Odsonne Edouard
Your predicted lineup in full is:
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