4-2, 6-0 and 3-0 have been Ange Postecoglou’s last three results – and the Aussie looks set to continue the dominance he’s produced as of late with a largely unchanged side for today’s visit of Hearts.
The Jam Tarts are without away fans at Paradise, as they’re been subject to a taste of their own medicine after not allowing Hoops’ fans to make the journey in the season opener at Tynecastle last month.
Ange endured the worst possible start to his tenure in Gorgie that day, but thankfully certain new signings have made the transition stage much easier.
There will be no Scott Bain today as there was that awful night – Joe Hart is the man to continue in goal for the Bhoys’, following his strong performance against Jablonec on Thursday night. The Englishman made a reactionary double save to etch his name in to Celtic hearts, and there is no reason for him to stop.
Anthony Ralston also continues in the Celtic XI; with no right-back brought in to challenge/replace the Glaswegian, he marches on – and it is fully deserved, too.
Carl Starfelt and youngster Stephen Welsh start at the back today, with Greg Taylor the man who lines up on the left-hand side. Taylor produced a man of the match worthy performance against the Czech’s, and was unfortunate not to win it had David Turnbull and Captain Callum failed to produce their exemplary performances.
It is the captain Callum McGregor who starts again in midfield, looking to continue what can only be described as player of the season form – making it known in every single game that he deserves the captain’s armband he took from Scott Brown.
Alongside him, Turnbull and Tom Rogic line up in a three-man midfield which is more than capable of producing a performance to see Celtic through to the next round, especially if they repeat Thursday’s exploits.
However, there is one change in attack – something which could be a foreshadowing of the future. Dropped is Ryan Christie – who has played well recently – in favour of Odsonne Edouard, who now may have a future at the club as he still is yet to depart for Brighton. Alongside the Frenchman remain James Forrest, who got his first start of the season on Thursday, and new fan favourite Kyogo Furuhashi, who aims to get back on the scoresheet.
On the bench is Ryan Christie – playing out of his skin at the moment, as Celtic look to defer interest from Burnley and Norwich for the playmaker – alongside the returning Leigh Griffiths and James McCarthy.
It’s a big game today – come on Celtic!