Team News Latest: Gordon plays but Celtic sweat over Dembele

BRENDAN RODGERS will definitely be making one change to his starting eleven from the side that played Aberdeen last weekend, and he may be forced to make another.

Celtic started last Sunday’s 1-0 defeat as follows:

Bain, Lustig, Ajer, Boyata, Tierney, Brown, Ntcham, Forrest, Rogic, McGregor and Dembele.

Craig Gordon though has recovered from his knee knock that has kept him out of the side side the 5-0 win over Rangers on Beautiful Sunday when Celtic wrapped up the Premiership in spectacular style.

He will replace Scott Bain in goals with the new signing dropping to the bench. There will be no place for Dorus de Vries.

The rest of that side really picks itself today but there is a late fitness worry surrounding Moussa Dembele and that may open the door for Leigh Griffiths to start.

Odsonne Edouard has already been ruled out with a hamstring injury that he picked up at Tynecastle so if Dembele doesn’t make it then it will be a perfect opportunity for Leigh Griffiths to get start and chase those two goals he needs to take him up to 100 goals for the club.

Griffiths has never scored in a Cup Final for Celtic and would relish the opportunity if it comes his way.

That will depend on how Dembele has responded to treatment and a decision will be made this morning after Brendan Rodgers and the coaching staff have another look at him.

Motherwell will pose a physical threat to Celtic today and Dembele’s strength may be required so everything will be done to get him ready but it may end up bing Leigh Griffiths’ big day.

Have you got one of these? Beautiful Sunday should be celebrated all summer long…

The latest podcast is out today- it’s part 2 of the brilliant interview with Celtic’s SLO John Paul Taylor where he selects the games and the soundtracks of his own personal Celtic journey. Loved his memories of the 4-2 game in the first part of his interview. Here’s the latest instalment from the UK’s Football podcast of the year…

Listen to “John Paul Taylor with A Celtic State of Mind (Part 2/3)” on Spreaker.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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