Whilst we had no updates on the condition of Kasper Schmeichel at yesterday’s press conference, Brendan Rodgers confirmed he has no problem with throwing our other summer signing straight in goals for today’s crucial clash with Hearts.
Brendan Rodgers “No Qualms” About Starting Sinisalo
Speaking at yesterday’s conference, Brendan Rogers confirmed that Viljami Sinisalo will step in for the injured Schmeichel. He said:
“Yes. Vil will come in and play. He’s a very talented young goalkeeper. That’s why we brought him here. He was very, very good in pre-season. He’s been outstanding in training and what we’ve seen.
Sinisalo Continues to Grow and Develop Under Rodgers
Rodgers added: “I’ve seen him grow and develop. But of course, with every player, it’s when you’re out in the arena of Celtic and beyond that, that’s when you’re measured and when you’re judged. But I’ve got no qualms about putting him in.”
Indeed, I explained in a post earlier this week just why Celtic fans have nothing to worry about if Sinisalo is given an extended run in the team. Still, its good to hear the manager confirm that its not just me who thinks so.
Liam Scales Misses Out
With the exception of Schmeichel, whom Rodgers confirmed is still awaiting the results of tests on his shoulder injury, the only other injury absentee for this afternoon’s match is Liam Scales.
Rodgers confirmed that Scales is training on his own. Given the nature of his issue, a facial injury that may require surgery, he cannot take part in any contact training and is therefore unable to play for the time being.
Bernardo and Forrest Come Back in
Brendan Rodgers also announced that both Paulo Bernardo and James Forrest, recent long term injury absentees, are both back and ready for selection.
Perhaps most importantly though, Callum McGregor is also back in full training and pushing for a start.
How Celtic’s Defence Will Probably Line Up
As we’ve already mentioned, Sinisalo will start in goals for only his 2nd competitive appearance since joining from Aston Villa.
Jeffrey Schlupp is likely to get the nod at left back ahead of Greg Taylor, though the future of both players beyond the end of the season remains unknown.
Auston Trusty will probably come back in to partner Cameron Carter-Vickers at Centre Back.
Despite having a rough time in the Glasgow derby, Alistair Johnston remains our number one choice at right back.
Midfield Options
The return of Paulo Bernardo certainly gives Brendan Rodgers some options in midfield.
Though his first-choice trio seems to be Arne Engels, Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor, both Bernardo and Luke McCowan could come in.
Whatever happens, I expect all 5 players to play some part in the match. McGregor probably isn’t up to a full 90 minutes yet, and Rodgers will be keen for Bernardo to regain some match sharpness.
Could Forrest Come in for Kuhn?
There’s been some disquiet among Celtic fans and the media lately about the dip in form of Nicholas Kuhn. Speculation is rife as to why this is the case, but at the end of the day, that’s all it is, speculation.
In any case, both Yang and Forrest at capable of stepping in if Rodgers decides to freshen things up. Kuhn is probably still the most likely starter, but again don’t be surprised if Forrest gets the nod. We all know how highly Brendan Rodgers rates James Forrest after all.
Daizen and Jota Both Certain to Start
Few would argue that the first two names on any Celtic team sheet at the moment are Jota and Daizen Maeda.
Once again, I expect to see Jota on the left, with Daizen deployed in the centre as our main goal threat.
However, with his morale boosting winner for Ireland in midweek, Adam Idah will also hope to play at least some part in the match. And I think we’d all love to see him come on and get a goal or two.
Match Predictions
Hearts haven’t had a great season by their usual standards. However, much as Aberdeen always seem to find something extra when they play Rangers, the same is true of Hearts against Celtic. This won’t be an easy game, but it is one that, ultimately, I think Celtic will win.
Score prediction: Celtic 2-0 Hearts
Maeda to score first.
Probable Starting Line-Up: Sinisalo, Schlupp, Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Johnston, McGregor, Hatate, Engels, Kuhn, Maeda, Jota.
Be sure to tune into ACSOM’s Pre-match, half time, and post-match bulletins, starting from 2:30pm CPT.