MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Olivier Ntcham of Celtic celebrates with teammates Mohamed Elyounoussi and Odsonne Edouard after scoring his sides fourth gaol during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on November 08, 2020 in Motherwell, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Celtic strolled to a comfortable 2-0 win over Kilmarnock on Matchday 17 of the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, thanks to goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Shane Duffy.
The Hoops are now set to turn their attention to last season’s delayed Scottish Cup final where they lock horns with Hearts. The Championship pace-setters were beaten 2-1 by Neil Lennon’s side in the 2019 edition of the tournament but they will be fancying their chances of causing a major upset this time around against a Celtic side that has won only 4 out of their last 14 games in all competitions.
Celtic have struggled for consistency this season but a victory at Hampden Park on Sunday would see the Hoops complete a historic quadruple treble.
Lennon doesn’t have any major injury issues to contend with heading into Sunday’s cup final showdown against Hearts. James Forrest is the only player out injured with an ankle problem.
The academy graduate has established himself as Celtic’s new No.1 between the sticks over the past two games and should retain his place ahead of Bain and Barkas.
The Frenchman has shown obvious signs of recovering his best form and that remains a massive positive for the Hoops heading into the cup final.
The Norwegian put in a solid shift at the back in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock in the last game and should once again find himself among the starters on Sunday.
The Brighton loanee has looked much better over the past two games and should retain his place.
The former Man City starlet remains somewhat vulnerable defensively but his attacking play makes him a useful asset to Lennon’s side.
The Uruguayan only played a cameo off the bench in the last game but that was precautionary more than anything else.
The Scottish international has fired on all cylinders in recent wins over Lille and Kilmarnock and could have a big part to play in the final on Sunday.
The Ivorian has done an excellent job in the middle of the park in recent fixtures and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Lennon hands him another start ahead of veteran Scott Brown.
The youngster has grabbed his opportunities with both hands this season and deserves another start to continue his rich vein of form.
The Southampton loanee has blown hot and cold this season but he should be high on confidence after scoring in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock.
Celtic’s talisman in front of goal has shown signs of returning to his sparkling best and the fans will be hoping for him to deliver the goods on Sunday.