Celtic v Morton: team news, KO time, where to watch and referee

Celtic face Greenock Morton this afternoon in the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup. The Scottish Champions are currently nine points clear at the top of the Premiership but Dougie Imrie’s Championship side have aspirations of promotion.

However, they arrive today hoping to spring a 2013-style shock against Celtic. Former Celtic cult hero Efe Ambrose is back in the blue and white Hoops of the Greenock club.

Team News

Benjamin Siegrist is out with a calf complaint. The Swiss keeper appeared to be the Cup goalie but an injury has sidelined him for a few weeks. The manager may look to give Scott Bain a game and rest Joe Hart. Although previous showings suggest that Ange isn’t often minded to do this.

In defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers won’t be risked having pulled up sore in the aftermath of the Semi Final win at Hampden. Carl Starfelt and Kobayashi will likely start again. Stephen Welsh will be keen to be involved whilst it appears Moritz Jenz is exploring his options. Alistair Johnston will play at right back with Alexandro Bernabei at left back. Tony Ralston is out after an injury setback. Josip Juranovic won’t be involved as he heads to Berlin with a deal with Union Berin worth £10m close to completion.

In midfield, Callum McGregor will start. David Turnbull scored on Wednesday and you’d expect him to get a start as the manager looks to afford him the chance to stake a regular starting claim. Reo Hatate has been exceptional and the manager may see the hake as an opportunity to rest the midfielder. Aaron Mooy and Matt O’Riley will be keen to start themselves as they wrestle for the jersey. Expect a debut from Tomori Iwata at some point.

In attack, the manager has a number of options in the wide areas. Daizen Maeda, Jota, James Forrest, Liel Abada and Sead Haksabanovic are all vying to start. Through the middle you’d expect Kyogo to start as Giorgos Giakoumakis’ future remains up in the air but he is expected to be involved.

Rocco Vata is injured and won’t be involved.

Predicted XI: Hart; Johnston, Starfelt, Kobayashi, Bernabei, McGregor, Hatate, Turnbull; Haksabanovic, Kyogo, Forrest.

Kick Off Time

The game will kick off at 12:15pm (Celtic Park time).

Match Officials

Our old friend Kevin Clancy has the whistle and his assistants are Ross Macleod and Alastair Mather. The Fourth Official is Barry Cook while it’s a chap called Craig Napier who is in charge of the ludge-VAR. What could possibly go wrong?

Where to Watch

The game will be available to watch on BBC with coverage starting at 12pm. The game will also be available on Celtic TV.

About Author

Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.

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