Celtic entertain Ross County in the Cinch SPFL this afternoon. The Bhoys currently sit three points clear at the top and have an opportunity to stretch that lead, with their closest challengers not playing until tomorrow.
Ange Postecoglou will be looking for a win first and foremost, but a solid performance too. In seeking that outcome, he has a few selection questions to address. Indeed, Joe Hart, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Callum McGregor are all nailed on starters. However, the rest of the team is up for debate.
1. The first selection question is who plays at full back? Does Juranovic play on the right hand side? Or does the manager opt to play Ralston because of his ability to overlap and get round the back of a packed defence? If he chooses the latter, then Postecoglou will need to decide whether Juranovic is switched over to left back, or if Greg Taylor retains his place there.
2. The next dilemma concerns the centre of midfield. David Turnbull is now fit and he, along with Bitton, Hatate, Rogic and O’Riley will be vying for the two spots next to Callum McGregor. Some have suggested Bitton should play in the holding role, enabling McGregor to play further forward, while others prefer to keep McGregor in a deeper position and play Hatate alongside either Rogic/O’Riley/Turnbull. On the latter trio, O’Riley had a solid game against Dundee United on Monday night, but Rogic has that magic touch to create an opening against a packed defence. Meanwhile, David Turnbull can score goals from outside the box when Celtic struggle to break teams down.
3. The wide areas are also up for debate. Jota is declared fit, Abada is set to return and Forrest is out through injury. Is it a simple case of playing the former two? Or will Postecoglou look to keep Maeda out on the left wing, where he was so impressive on Monday? If so, he will then need to decide which winger gets the nod on the right hand side.
4. A key factor in the manager’s thinking on point 3, will be the answer to selection question number 4: who leads the line? Giakoumakis scored two goals on Monday and is in fine goalscoring form. Meanwhile, Maeda put in a decent performance himself at Dundee United and could be shifted inside at Giakoumakis’ expense if the boss wishes to play Jota on the left wing. Giakoumakis is excellent at scoring goals from crosses into the box, and each of his Celtic goals have come from one touch finishes this season. The Greek striker is also a strong presence up front, who is able to hold the ball up and bring other into play. Perhaps this game suits his style of play more than Maeda’s as there is unlikely to be room for strikers to run in behind as Ross County will sit deep. Although, Celtic will feel they still have the quality to open up the Dingwall side and Maeda’s pace could then be utilised.
Whatever the manager’s decisions, Celtic have a great squad available and they know that three points is an absolute must.
