Defending Premiership Champions Celtic are set to begin their campaign this weekend with a clash against Livingston. After a goalless draw against Rosenborg in the second round of the Champions League qualifiers, Brendan Rodgers’ side will want to start the league campaign with a win.
Earlier this summer, Celtic had beaten Alashkert 6-0 on aggregate in the first round of the Champions League qualifiers. They had a six-game winning streak prior to their draw against Rosenborg and are in a rich vein of form, so Livingston have a mountain to climb when they take to the pitch this weekend.
Celtic have faced Livingston six times in the past and have won each of those games. They’ve scored 19 goals in the process, and if you consider their pre-season form, it could get pretty ugly for the away side.
Team News
Moussa Dembele is expected to remain absent for a few weeks. He limped off the pitch during the return leg against Alashkert and is still recovering. Marvin Compper is also sidelined with an injury and is unavailable.
Forward Leigh Griffiths has been training with his teammates but isn’t match 100% fit yet. Dedryck Boyata is also back in training after his World Cup exploits with the Belgian national side but given that he needs match fitness, he might not be rushed into the starting line-up.
Here is how we expect Celtic to start against Kenny Miller’s side.
Predicted Celtic lineup
Goalkeeper
Despite the acquisition of Scott Bain from Dundee this summer, Rodgers is expected to stick with Craig Gordon in goal. The 35-year-old Scottish shot-stopper has been a key player for the Glasgow giants and is likely to start.
Defence
Kristoffer Ajer is one of the most highly rated young players in the Scottish top flight at the moment and it is anticipated that he will start at the heart of the defence alongside Jack Hendry.
Kieran Tierney is one of the first names on the team-sheet and will start at left-back. Cristian Gamboa will most likely feature on the right.
Midfield
Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham are likely to take their place at the middle of the park. They’ll provide the steel and distribution from the middle. Callum McGregor is expected to operate as the central attacking midfielder.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard should be the one leading the line for Celtic, with James Forrest operating on the right-wing and Scott Sinclair on the left.
