Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action following the international break with an away trip to the team that sit second-bottom in the table.
An international break may have come and gone since the last time Celtic took to the field in a competitive game, but Brendan Rodgers’ men will still have plenty of momentum after coming out on top in the first Old Firm game of the season.
The Hoops were dominate last time out, and got their rewards through Olivier Ntcham. They return to action on Friday with a trip to St Mirren, who sit second-bottom in the Scottish Premiership having won just one of their opening four games.
Rodgers may be slightly frustrated with a Friday game following an international break, but it does give the Bhoys more time to prepare for their Europa League group-stage opener next Thursday.
Having nearly a week before the Rosenborg tie perhaps allows Rodgers to not give that game too much attention when it comes to his team selection, but there may still be changes following the international break.
Dedryck Boyata has been superb of late, but may be rested so that Filip Benkovic can make his Hoops debut. It is not an essential change, but getting the summer signing up to speed may not be a terrible idea in case the club’s depth is put to the test over the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, another change may perhaps see Cristian Gamboa replace Mikael Lustig. Gamboa has done well when given a chance and the game may be a good opportunity for Rodgers to give the Swede a rest.
One tough decision facing Rodgers is which striker will lead the line if he decides to start with one up top. Odsonne Edouard started against Rangers, so perhaps he may keep his place for Friday, but Leigh Griffiths will undoubtedly be hoping to regain that spot.
Here is how we expect Celtic to lineup at St Mirren…
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