Predicted Celtic XI to face St. Mirren: Who should start for the Hoops?

With the first international break of the season almost out of the way, Scottish Premiership will return to action on Friday night, with reigning champions Celtic taking on St. Mirren at Paisley 2021 Stadium.

The Hoops currently sit second in the table, with nine points from four games (W3, L1) and come into Friday’s encounter on the back of a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Rangers. And manager Brendan Rodgers must aim to build on that victory and reduce the gap to league leaders Hearts, who will be playing Motherwell on Saturday.

Team News

Defender Jack Hendry remains sidelined for the Bhoys while question marks persist over the availability of fellow centre-half Jozo Simunovic. Nir Bitton and Lewis Morgan are other absentees for the reigning champions, although there is some boost with Marvin Compper returning to training.

Here’s how the Hoops are expected to line up against St. Mirren.

Manager: Brendan Rodgers

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Craig Gordon (GK)

The Scotland international is the undisputed No.1 for Rodgers’ side ahead of summer signing Scott Bain. Expect that to remain unchanged for the upcoming fixture.

Mikael Lustig (RB)

The Swedish defender is the preferred choice for the Hoops at the right-back slot ahead of Cristian Gamboa and must start on their trip to Paisley.

Dedryck Boyata (CB)

The Belgian international has started the last three games in all competitions. Should be retained ahead of on-loan defender Filip Benkovic.

Kristoffer Ajer (CB)

The 20-year-old Norwegian youngster has established himself as a mainstay at the back for the Hoops and is a certain starter on Friday night.

Kieran Tierney (LB)

The 20-year-old Scottish international has continued to enhance his reputation as one of the finest young full-backs in Europe. Another player who must be guaranteed a spot in Rodgers’ line-up.

Scott Brown (CM)

Club captain Scott Brown is an influential presence for the Bhoys. He brings bite and aggression to the side and he should occupy one of the two pivot positions in the middle of the park.

Olivier Ntcham (CM)

Partnering the captain against St. Mirren must be Frenchman Olivier Ntcham, who should be high on confidence after scoring the winner against Rangers last time out.

James Forrest (RW)

The Scottish winger has scored twice and set up six more so far in the ongoing campaign, across all competitions. He will be a key cog for the team in the final third.

Tom Rogic (CAM)

Slotting in the No.10 role should be Australian attacking midfielder Tom Rogic. Has the ability to create and score in equal measure and will be a handful for the opposition if he gets going.

Callum McGregor (LW)

The 25-year-old starred for Scotland in their 2-0 win over Albania during the international break and he must carry his momentum forward against St. Mirren.

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Odsonne Edouard (ST)

Spearheading the attack for the Bhoys at Paisley should be club-record signing Odsonne Edouard, ahead of Scotland international Leigh Griffiths.