Celtic face Raith Rovers this afternoon as Ange Postecoglou looks to seal his side’s progression into the next stage of the cup. Standing in their way are John McGlynn’s Raith Rovers. The visitors from Kirkcaldy have been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons but will be hoping to put the David Goodwillie saga to the back of their minds this afternoon.
Postecoglou has already teased that he will be making changes but it remains to be seen to what extent he decides to rotate his team.
In goals, you would expect Joe Hart to keep his place but Scott Bain would be a worthy deputy if the manager thought that the Englishman was in need of a rest.
In defence, the manager could go for a backline of Anthony Ralston, Christopher Jullien, Carl Starfelt and Greg Taylor. Too much change would likely be disruptive to the backline that has been consistently solid.
In midfield, you would expect James McCarthy or Nir Bitton to start in the holding role with Tom Rogic and Matt O’Riley operating in the two other central roles.
In attack, Giorgos Giakoumakis could start through the middle with Daizen Maeda on the left with James Forrest on the right. This would allow the two wide men to get up to speed as they have struggled for consistency since coming into the team.
Players like Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Liel Abada, Josip Juranovic and Joe Hart should be rested with the Europa Conference League and Cinch Premiership action on the horizon; however, Raith will not be a pushover and that is why the manager needs to play a strong starting XI.
Great player n. Play maker gets into space for goal situations