The 4th Official
·4 February 2021
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·4 February 2021
Celtic finally found some rhythm on Tuesday night when they knocked Kilmarnock down 4-0 at Rugby Park. They need to build some momentum now and must secure a commanding win versus Motherwell on Saturday afternoon. The Hoops lost their previous home outing to St. Mirren and therefore, must stay alert this weekend to avoid yet another setback against the bottom-half strugglers.
The Steelmen have registered successive wins over Dundee United and Ross County ahead of their Parkhead trip. They are the only outfit to snatch a point from high-flying Rangers in recent weeks and have shown enough to produce a headstrong display at Celtic Park.
Scott Bain is set to have a run of games between the sticks. Summer signing Vasilis Barker has been asked to improve his game, and the Greek international must attune to the Scottish environment first to stake a claim in the Neil Lennon’s plan ahead of Bain.
Jonjoe Kenny, on loan from Everton, had a promising debut versus Killie and is expected to retain his right-back spot for the remainder of the campaign. Greg Taylor has been handed the nod over Diego Laxalt, and the young Scotsman must continue to impress to cement his place for the foreseeable future. Stephen Welsh was preferred over experienced Nir Bitton and Shane Duffy and the youngster exhibited enough attributes to feature week in, week out in the heart of the backline. The arrival of Kenny has allowed Kristoffer Ajer to return to his usual central defensive slot.
A midfield diamond worked exquisitely for Lennon in midweek. He must not alter the winning set-up and deploy skipper Scott Brown in the base, particularly after his goal and assist against Kilmarnock.
However, Mohamed Elyounoussi should be preferred from the wide areas with Ryan Christie still struggling to regain his form. Versatile Callum McGregor has been effective from left midfield and is tipped to combine more often with ‘number 10’ David Turnbull who assisted twice on Tuesday. The likes of Ismaila Soro and Michael Johnston might get involved from the bench.
Lennon has decided to bank on Albian Ajeti upfront after his impressive late goal in East Ayrshire. The Swiss marksman would be lined up alongside Odsonne Edouard who is gradually getting back to his best after a slow start. Leigh Griffiths would once again find his place among the substitutes to incorporate the ex-West Ham United centre-forward.