Celtic will make a trip to the Firhill Stadium to fave fellow Glasgow side Partick Thistle for their first game of the new calendar year in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
Celtic, who are returning to normal club activities following their 1-2 defeat at the hands of Rangers at the Celtic Park, had all their teams spent the winter break in Dubai. With all batteries charged, the club must be finding themselves revitalized and ready for all competitions this second of the season.
Celtic Latest Team News
Celtic will have Ryan Christie serving the first of his three-game ban and will be unavailable for selection. The club is signing Patryk Klimala is fit but he might not be rushed into the starting lineup this weekend by by manager Neil Lennon – but could be introduced into the team with a cameo appearance.
Concerning the club injury woes, Celtic still have While Hatem Abd Elhamed on the treatment table owing to his groin injury, while Jozo Simunovic is on his way of recovery from a knee injury. The Hoops will also be without the services of Norwegian midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi as he is out of the team with a foot injury.
Also, the club have injury boost in Manchester City loanee Daniel Arzani who is close to making his return to fitness following his return to training. Mikey Johnston, however, has suffered a fresh injury setback and is expected to spend another time on the injury sideline.
Celtic Lineup vs Partick Thistle (4-2-3-1)
In Defence
Fraser Forster is expected to start between the sticks against Partick for Celtic. The custodian has been in a rich vein of form in goal and Lennon might refrain from pulling him out of the starting lineup.
Kristoffer Ajer and Christopher Jullien have been relied upon heavily and these two remains Lennon’s undisputed starter at the heart of defence. We guess the winter break must have given the duo enough time to regroup in order to come back stronger.
While Jonny Hayes could be called upon for a starting role at the left-back position for their upcoming fixture, Jeremie Frimpong could get the nod to start as the right-back in the Celtic lineup.
In Midfield
Scott Brown and Callum McGregor could be called upon for a starting role in the central midfield to cushion Celtic’s backline. Both of them are valuable players for their side and will be desperate to make their impact to Celtic’s midfield felt against the Jags.
While it remains to be seen whether Lennon could introduce Tom Rogic to the team against Partick, Olivier Ntcham could start as the central attacking midfielder in the Celtic lineup. He has to link-up with his offensive teammates shrewdly and create regular goal-scoring chances.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard is expected to lead the line as he is the undisputed first-choice striker. Marian Shved and James Forrest could start on the flanks to complete Celtic’s attacking trio.
