Ange Postecolgou hasn't been left disappointed by his Celtic players too often since his arrival - but the boss was less than happy with the performance against Rangers.
Kyogo Furuhashi's late leveller rescued a point from a disappointing display at Ibrox and kept the Hoops nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, however the defending champions dipped below their usual performance levels. With Kilmarnock next on the agenda. Postescoglou will likely offer some of the fringe players a chance to impress in the Scottish Premiership ahead of facing Derek McInnes' men at Hampden next week.
Greg Taylor was forced off early against Rangers and will miss the next fortnight with a hamstring injury, leaving the door open for Alexandro Bernabei to be handed a rare chance at left-back. Josip Juranovic filled in in the midst of the Ibrox cauldron but the Argentinian could get the nod after a torrid afternoon in Govan for the Croatian World Cup star.
Matt O'Riley has been a mainstay of the Celtic starting line-up this term but has struggled to maintain top form in recent weeks. That could see Aaron Mooy handed a start at Celtic Park after making an impact in the second half at Ibrox when he climbed off the bench.
The wide positions could also be overhauled, with James Forrest a surprise starter against Rangers while Daizen Maeda continued his impressive form. Jota and Liel Abada could be drafted in to freshen up the side.
Scott Bain will likely take a place on the bench with Benjamin Siegrist carrying a knock. Anthony Ralston, Sead Haksabanovic, Stephen Welsh and James McCarthy continue to miss out having been absent since the World Cup break.
Predicted Celtic XI
Provisional Celtic squad
Goalkeepers
- Joe Hart
- Scott Bain
Defenders
- Moritz Jenz
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Alexandro Bernabei
- Josip Juranovic
- Carl Starfelt
- Bosun Lawal
Midfielders
- Reo Hatate
- Aaron Mooy
- Matt O’Riley
- Callum McGregor
- Oliver Abildgaard
- David Turnbull
Forwards
- Liel Abada
- James Forrest
- Kyogo Furuhashi
- Jota
- Daizen Maeda
- Giorgos Giakoumakis
READ NEXT
