After a humbling midweek to one of Europe’s elite, Celtic return to domestic action with a trip to Dingwall. They face Don Cowie’s Ross County, a side struggling for wins since losing key figures Yan Dhanda and Simon Murray, with just one in seven. However, they have a habit of drawing, so find themselves five points above bottom-placed Hearts in seventh. Here is our Celtic predicted lineup in the Highlands.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Ross County
How Celtic have Lined up Recently
A key injury to Cameron-Carter Vickers has forced Celtic into the left-footed pairing of Auston Trusty and Liam Scales. Signed from Sheffield United this summer, for around £5 million, Trusty will be looking to cement his place in the team and justify the substantial price tag. It’s been a mixed start for the American. He was part of the unit that shipped seven on Tuesday night, although that was arguably more of a structural issue than a personnel one.
Alistair Johnson and Greg Taylor have started the lion’s share of games at fullback. Domestically, both have excelled, although on Wednesday night slack passing was an all too common feature. The latter struggled against a lightning-quick Dortmund attack and was replaced by Barcelona loanee Alex Valle during the break. Despite a poor touch from the Spaniard leading to goal number seven, it was an all-round brighter display, and he may be in line for a start this weekend.
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In midfield, Callum McGregor has kept his place at the base of the three. On the ball, he has been as comfortable as ever and is the top scorer in the league with four to his name. However, the captain was caught ball-watching in Germany, and frequently out of position. In recent weeks, Arne Engels and Paulo Bernardo have started, although it was Reo Hatate who looked the most composed in his brief spell against Dortmund and will likely be rewarded with a start at the weekend.
Up front, Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo have played the majority of the games. The two wingers have been excellent, particularly Maeda who was one of the few Celtic players who could have their head held high earlier this week. Kyogo has started to pick up form as well but was starved of service against last year’s Champions League finalists.
Adam Idah may make just his second league start on Sunday, with Kyogo, starting the last two games and warranting a rest.
Celtic Recent Form and Tactics
Up until Tuesday evening, confidence was at an all-time high. Football has a funny way of humbling though.
Structurally there were so many issues with Celtic out of possession. They aimed to press Dortmund high but failed to pick up runners or block passing lanes. The result? Dortmund played through Celtic’s midfield and were able to run at the defence in acres of space.
It was a mismatch of pace and skill, and conducive to an ugly scoreline.
Read More: How Celtic have reacted to the loss of Matt O’Riley
It’s back to domestic football though.
After a 6-0 loss to Atletico Madrid last season, the Champions bounced back with a 6-0 routing of Aberdeen. They will be looking for a similar reaction this weekend.
Injuries to Consider
Greg Taylor and Cameron Carter-Vickers will miss out, with both set to return after the international break.
Celtic Predicted Lineup
Kasper Schmeichel
Alistair Johnson
Auston Trusty
Liam Scales
Alex Valle
Callum McGregor
Reo Hatate
Arne Engels
Nicolas Kuhn
Adam Idah
Daizen Maeda
