Celtic secured a resounding 6-0 win over St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership just before the international break with the victory giving them a much-needed boost after having scraped past most of their league opponents until that point.
After 8 games in the Scottish top flight, the Celts are placed at the 3rd spot in the league table with 16 points to their name. It is clear by now that the league will be contested fiercely this time around with the recent domination established by Rodgers’ troops facing a severe challenge already. But this again comes as an opportunity for the Bhoys to raise their game and come out of this with their already glowing reputations enhanced.
With the extremely crucial international break affording us the opportunity, we decided to form the strongest Celtic XI based on the season till this point.
Defence
Craig Gordon has once again been preferred under the bar by Rodgers. The 35-year-old has played in all of the 8 league games so far this season and has conceded just 4 goals in the process. Gordon’s experience and calmness between the sticks will be vital for the Hoops in the upcoming games.
From the left-back slot, Kieran Tierney has been stupendous once again. The Scottish international has been a real nuisance for the opposition with his attacking play and has been solid defensively as well. Mikael Lustig has nailed down his place in the right-back position.
Jack Hendry and Dedryck Boyata have been quite resilient in central defence. Although the former Liverpool boss has the likes of Jozo Simunovic, Filip Benkovic and Kristoffer Ajer in his ranks, Hendry and Boyata probably deserve to get the nod to feature based on their performances so far.
Midfield
Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham have been given regular starts by Rodgers. The duo hasn’t flattered to deceive though as they have been enterprising in midfield and have gone from strength to strength.
Australian international Tom Rogic is one of the finest players in the premiership and in 7 league outings so far this term, he has scored 1 goal and has also bagged 3 assists. His creativity in the final third and the ability to come up with the goods more often than not sees him get the nod.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard has been impressive and should lead the line. With Callum McGregor on the left-wing and James Forrest on the other side, the Celts have a formidable attacking setup. Forrest has been Celtic’s highest scorer with 4 goals to his name so far this season in the Premiership.
Statistics Credits: Sky Sports and Transfermarkt
