Celtic are back in action against Ross County in the Scottish Premiership today after claiming a draw at home to Club Brugge in the Champions League during midweek.
The Bhoys recovered from a position of vulnerability to take a valuable stalemate in their Champions League quest, but it is back to the bread and butter for Brendan Rodgers’ men today.
Ross County stand between Celtic and the possibility of a five-point lead in the Scottish Premiership. Nevertheless, they have never won at Parkhead, so Don Cowie and company need to conjure something special to break that duck.
Kick-off is at 3 pm, and supporters without match tickets will be able to tune into Celtic vs Ross County on Celtic TV outside the UK & Ireland.
Without further ado, 67 Hail Hail take a look at the runners and riders to start for the home side, with changes a possibility after midweek.
Potential Celtic XI vs Ross County
Three points is the aim for Celtic today alongside a dominant performance, but Brendan Rodgers could look to change certain aspects of his side after the Bhoys’ draw with Brugge and in the knowledge that a heavy fixture schedule is on the horizon.
Continuity is also key if alterations are to be made, so expect Kasper Schmeichel to start between the sticks as the veteran looks to record a dozen clean sheets since arriving at the club.
Alistair Johnston maintains his slot at right-back. Meanwhile, Auston Trusty will be given another airing after a superb performance under the lights on Wednesday.
However, the other half of the backline is an area that could change, with Liam Scales replacing Cameron Carter-Vickers to manage the latter’s load alongside Alex Valle being granted an opportunity at left-back in place of Greg Taylor.
Rodgers’ midfield could also take on a different complexion today. Expect Callum McGregor to lead out the side while Paulo Bernardo’s impressive showing against Brugge earns the Portuguese playmaker a start.
Luke McCowan has been unfortunate not to claim more minutes since arriving from Dundee, so today will also be his lucky day.
Out wide, James Forrest makes a rare start in place of Daizen Maeda, who deserves a rest to safeguard his availability over the festive period. Nicolas Kuhn is expected to provide creative ingenuity off the right.
Finally, Adam Idah will be drafted in at centre-forward at the expense of Kyogo Furuhashi, adding a different dynamic against an opponent likely to try and contain Celtic.
Your Predicted XI in full is: Schmeichel, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Valle, McGregor, Bernardo, McCowan, Kuhn, Forrest, Idah.
