Celtic have a plethora of selection options as the Hoops prepare for the visit of St Johnstone – including giving the fit again Kieran Tierney his first Scottish Premiership start in more than two months.
Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys welcome St Johnstone to Celtic Park knowing that a victory against the Saints will see Celtic a huge 22 points ahead of second placed Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
It is anticipated that Rodgers will name an almost full-strength XI against St Johnstone – despite fielding a strong line-up in the Scottish Cup fourth round victory over Albion Rovers just days ago.
Pleasingly for supporters of the Hoops, this means that left-back Kieran Tierney should be handed his first league start since a long injury lay off – following almost three months of ankle ligament problems.
Indeed, Rodgers is almost spoilt for choice in all compartments of his team – particularly in defensive areas. Celtic have yet to lose a league match this season and have only conceded 14 goals from their 20 games in the process.
The ever-present Craig Gordon is likely to retain his place behind a back four of Tierney, right back Mikael Lustig and the central defensive pairing of Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko. The only potential doubt may be Lustig, who has experienced recent back issues, although Rodgers has the equally reliable Cristian Gamboa to call upon if required.
In midfield, captain Scott Brown will celebrate his 400th appearance for Celtic by partnering Stuart Armstrong in Rodgers’ preferred double-pivot. Further forward, the attacking midfield trio is likely to see wide men Scott Sinclair and Patrick Roberts flank Callum McGregor – with the latter drafted in to replace the continued absence of Tom Rogic.
Rodgers’ usually slight selection dilemma tends to focus around the lone front man – with the expectancy being a continuation of top-scorer Moussa Dembele in preference to Leigh Griffiths.
Meanwhile, St Johnstone welcome the returning Murray Davidson for consideration following his recent absence through illness. However, the Saints will be without Michael Coulson (calf) and Ally Gilchrist (groin) for the somewhat daunting prospect of a trip to Celtic Park.
The visitors may well hold on to the prospect of a victory against the run-away league leaders by knowing that the three points would see them level with Hearts in fourth position.
Here is the predicted Celtic line-up in full:
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