The Bhoys’ will look to cut the gap to just fifteen points behind theRangers at home to fourth placed Aberdeen tonight, with three changes to the side that marginally squeezed past St Johnstone at the weekend; and it is fair to say that Celtic fans are a mixed bag of emotions at the side fielded by Lenny tonight.
The main rejoice for most fans is that the walking liability himself, Shane Duffy, is dropped to the bench in favour of Stephen Welsh, who returns to the fore looking to continue his goal-scoring exploits he exhibited last weekend before injury halted his progress. Elsewhere, Ismaila Soro makes a return to the starting XI ahead of captain Scott Brown – which I must admit is rather surprising given Celtic’s upturn in form since Broony came back into the side – and Albian Ajeti starts, presumably alongside wantaway forward Odsonne Edouard in a revert to the usual two upfront.
Celtic fans lauded Soro’s return in general, but not without showing dismay at Brown being dropped, assumingly due to his influence in stopping the rot of form Celtic endured throughout his absence. Nonetheless, Twitter was awash with Soro propaganda, and it will be interesting to see how the Ivorian does on his return to proceedings, having only played twenty minutes of football this month.
McGregor should be dropped for brown.
— AT84 (@AT8467) February 17, 2021
Soro and Welsh pic.twitter.com/dBxCYQbXZa
— Ben Rigden (@ben_rigden) February 17, 2021
All those celebrating Brown not in the team, we won the 4 games since brown came back in for Soro and Brown hasn’t put a foot wrong. Don’t mind Brown getting a rest but he is still the best we have in that position.
— Dummy (@MrDavidUmb) February 17, 2021
There was, however, some praise for Albian Ajeti; the summer signing is yet to win the hearts of all of the Celtic support, and the Swissman will be looking to endear himself that little bit more to the Parkhead faithful with a dominating performance tonight.
Welsh, ajeti and soro back we love to see it https://t.co/jHk0dZkrFK
— Reiss 📷 (@ReissFerguson) February 17, 2021
Soro, Ajeti and Welsh ✅
— Chris (@chrisc_clark) February 17, 2021
Although not everyone was pleased with his inclusion!
Don't get why everyone is chuffed Ajeti is starting he's rotten, far rather have griff
— Jason1888 (@Jason18882) February 17, 2021
The team is as follows: Bain, Kenny, Welsh, Ajer, Taylor, Turnbull, Soro, McGregor, Christie, Edouard, Ajeti.
📋 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬…
Our #CELABE starting line-up! ✅#COYBIG 🟢🍀 pic.twitter.com/I5jYU49lp5
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 17, 2021
