How will Celtic line up following their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Zenit St Petersburg?
A sore Celtic side will be returning home from Russia today to nurse their wounds ahead of the weekend’s match up against joint second placed Aberdeen.
Last night saw the Hoops crash out of the Europa League after being on the end of a 3-0 destruction from a rampant Zenit St Petersburg side, who were out to prove a point following their loss in Glasgow just one week before.
Shaky performances from the entire Celtic defensive unit was at the heart of Brendan Rodgers’ problems, whilst the attackers also offered almost nothing in terms of a goal threat.
Despite upping the tempo and finally demonstrating some urgency in the latter stages, their late rally was very much too little too late.
One positive the Celts can take is that they avoided any further injury problems in Russia as they now turn their sole focus to the domestic scene, with no more European football to play this season.
This Sunday will see them take on Aberdeen, who currently sit nine points behind having closed the gap somewhat in recent weeks. The Hoops go into the game with five wins from the last five encounters against the Dons, having bagged 12 goals and conceded only two.
An important game for Rodgers and co, the team will likely be very strong, as they look to avoid a repeat of last week’s disappointing 0-0 draw against St Johnstone which saw the starting XI include seven changes.
Despite a mistake in Russia, Dorus De Vries is expected to retain his position, with Kieran Tierney and Kristoffer Ajer also starting. However, disappointing displays from Jozo Simunovic and Mikael Lustig should see Jack Hendry and Anthony Ralston handed a chance to impress.
In midfield, Ntcham and Brown will likely resume their duties in the middle of the park, while James Forrest and Moussa Dembele will also win the chance to start.
Scott Sinclair should come in for Eboue Kouassi to boost the chance of goals, whilst Charly Musonda, who looked like the only Celt with any urgency after coming on last night, should fill the void in attacking midfield in place of Callum McGregor.
Here is the predicted 4-2-3-1 line-up:
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