Rodgers To Make Changes | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Raith Rovers | OneFootball

An emphatic 6-0 win against Dundee on Wednesday night saw Celtic restore their 13-point lead over Rangers at the top of the Premiership standings. A massive test awaits next midweek versus Bayern Munich in the Champions League knockout phase, but they must first focus on the weekend’s Scottish Cup fifth-round tie against minnows Raith Rovers at Parkhead.

The Rovers are heading towards a midtable finish in the Championship. They were close to securing a top-flight promotion in May but lost 6-1 (over two legs on aggregate) to Ross County in the play-offs final. The Kirkcaldy side has failed to replicate last season’s form, and the players, according to the gaffer Barry Robson, ‘must get every single detail right’ against the reigning champions.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Raith Rovers

Defence

Brendan Rodgers must opt for a rotation to keep his first-team stats fit and fresh for the Bayern battle. But he is expected to stick with veteran Kasper Schmeichel, who has not missed a game in all competitions. The Danish custodian has hardly conceded at home and should aim for another clean sheet on Saturday evening.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Liam Scales of Celtic celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Scottish Cup match between Celtic and Raith Rovers at Celtic Park on February 13, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Anthony Ralston was dropped against the Dee but should return to the starting XI, replacing the first-choice right fullback Alistair Johnston. Cameron Carter-Vickers was sidelined for a few fixtures through injuries, and the manager must rest him for Europe and bank on Liam Scales to partner with Auston Trusty in the heart of the backline. Versatile Jeffrey Schlupp should grab his first Celtic start after replacing Greg Taylor down the left late in the Dundee game.

Midfield

Callum McGregor has only missed two games due to a brief injury layoff. Rodgers took him off around the hour mark against the Dee as the ‘captain fantastic’ might feature again from the deep to orchestrate the show in the centre of the pitch. Paulo Bernardo, who has been utilized in various midfield roles, could be handed a rare start as a ‘number 8’ over Arne Engels. Reo Hatate should also be rested in favour of Luke McCowan.

Attack

The departure of Kyogo Furuhashi has cemented Adam Idah’s place as an outright ‘number 9’. The Irishman must spearhead the attack. However, his fellow countryman Johnny Kenny could also be involved as a second-half substitute, having been recalled from his loan stint with Shamrock Rovers. Daizen Maeda has been electrifying from the flanks but could make way for Hyun-Jun Yang on the right. Jota is showing his class since making an emotional return to Celtic Park. The Portuguese wideman should get the nod over Nicolas Kuhn, as the latter must be upbeat to clash heads against his former club next Wednesday.