Celtic will be eager to bounce back from a frustrating European night under the lights at Parkhead when they welcome the visit of Derek McInnes’ Kilmarnock side. Fans were left wondering what could have been as Celtic once again were so close yet so far from securing their first UEFA Champions League home win since 2013.
However, it is all about looking forward for Celtic and this weekend’s fixture against Killie provides the perfect opportunity for the club to bounce back from that result with a convincing and comprehensive result.
Here is A Celtic State of Mind’s predicted line-up for Saturday’s fixture:
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GK – Joe Hart
The English stopper had some fingers pointed his way for his role in Lazio’s equaliser mid-week. However, he is one of Brendan Rodgers’ trusted men and will be expected to return to the net for league action after serving a suspension for his red card away to Livingston.
RB – Alistair Johnston
The Canadian had a tough time of it up against Lazio’s Mattia Zacagni but will be expected to return to form against Kilmarnock.
CB – Liam Scales
Scales continues to prove himself after another impressive display in the Champions League. He is in undroppable form at this current form and shouldn’t be leaving the starting eleven any time soon.
CB – Cameron Carter-Vickers
The American international made a costly error which led to Lazio’s eventual winner. It was a mistake you would expect from a player getting his first minutes after an injury-hit spell and the only way to get his match sharpness and fitness back to its peak is by giving him minutes, so giving him 60 minutes this Saturday before the break would be a wise move.
LB – Greg Taylor
Taylor put in a solid enough performance on Wednesday night and has been on an upward trajectory with regards to his domestic form which should continue when he lines up against his former club.
CM – Callum McGregor
McGregor played a vitally important role last night as one of Celtic’s standout performers and he will be eager to make up for a lacklustre display when the two sides met for the first time earlier on in the season.
CM – Reo Hatate
The Japanese has been hit and miss since returning from injury, with some poor displays in European matches sprinkled amongst some bright domestic displays. Being a bit more clinical on the ball as well as more efforts to retain possession will be some improvements to look out for in the 25-year-old’s game.
CM – Matt O’Riley
Fans and pundits alike have been waxing lyrical about O’Riley’s form so far this season, and for good reason. After recently missing out on the Danish national team squad when reports pointed towards a maiden call-up for the 22-year-old, he will be playing with a point to prove this weekend and will be an exciting player to watch this weekend.
RW – Daizen Maeda
Maeda has been swiftly establishing himself as one of the key men for Brendan Rodgers this season and will be looking to pick-up from where he left off midweek with another positive performance.
ST – Kyogo Furuhashi
After a couple of quiet performances in recent weeks, Kyogo got his goal scoring touch back in perfect fashion as he finally broke his Champions League goalscoring duck. Having Kyogo brimming with confidence in Celtic’s attack will only serve the team well this weekend.
LW – Luis Palma
Fans were surprised not to see the Honduran in the starting lineup against Lazio, but his impressive performance from the bench where he caused all sorts of problems should nail him on for a starting place this weekend.
JAMES MCKENZIE // Follow James HERE
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