Celtic return to action tomorrow as Hearts arrive in Glasgow’s East End. After the comfortable Glasgow Derby win over Rangers, Brendan Rodgers’ side will be looking to continue their impressive start to the season against the visitors from Gorgie.
Team News
Celtic go into the game with no fresh injury concerns after the quartet of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Greg Taylor and James Forrest trained today. Johnston was forced off while on international duty but the substitution was confirmed by the Canada boss Jesse Marsch as precautionary. Meanwhile, CCV appeared in a moon boot after the win over Rangers prompting fears that he’d picked up a knock. Again, this was a precautionary measure to ensure that there was no aggravation to the knock. Taylor and Forrest withdrew from Scotland duty but have both used the break to get back to fitness.
The manager will be weighing up when to introduced Auston Trusty and Arne Engels to the starting XI after their deadline day moves to the club. With a combined transfer value of £17m, the duo will be seen as first team starters but the starting XI showed to be well balanced in the win over Rangers. You wouldn’t be surprised if the manager decided to simply continue with the same team that defeated Clement & Co.
In goals, Kasper Schmeichel will start. The Dane is yet to concede for Celtic while on league duty on his return to Scottish football.
Expect a back four of Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales and Taylor.
In midfield, you would expect the same trio that dominated the game against Rangers to continue. Paulo Bernardo has the jersey and Engels will need to be given time to displace the Portugal U21 skipper.
In attack, Brendan will likely go for the same again for the Celts given how impressive the trio have been since the new season kicked off.
Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Hatate, Bernardo; Kühn, Kyogo and Maeda.
Referee Details
Colin Steven has been appointed as the referee for the game and will be assisted by Frank Connor and Calum Spence. Meanwhile at Clydesdale House, Alan Muir is on VAR with Graham McNeillie assisting.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 3pm (Celtic Park Time) in the first traditional kick off time of the season.
Where to Watch
The game is a sellout and there is no PPV option for fans that are unable to attend. However, Celtic TV subscribers outside of Britain and Ireland will be able to watch the coverage from Paradise with coverage on the club’s streaming platform beginning at 2:30pm.
We’re now at a stage within our squad, that Rodgers would possibly like to have more than the 5 subs available to himself tomorrow?
Can’t see to many changes, if any at all, from the team that started against the scum?
However, still think Rodgers would like to get some game time into, Engels, McCowan, Idah and forrest from the subs bench at least?
Which would raise the question as to whether both CCV and AJ have a full 90 minutes within them, and still be OK for our CL opening match?
So wouldn’t be surprised to see Rodgers taking a safer option of starting ralston ahead of AJ, with the CL match in mind?