Celtic team to face Partick Thistle

Celtic head to Firhill on Friday night looking to set the pace at the top of the Premiership and get the ideal confidence booster for the Champions League play off against Astana.

Partick Thistle will be on a high from their 3-0 win over St Johnstone on Tuesday night but if Celtic get it right it will be the visitors that dominate and dictate at Firhill.

After making eight changes for the game against Kilmarnock Brendan Rodgers could be tempted to go with a similar side but the Celtic boss never lets emotions come into his thinking.

The A-team will be back in action for the game with three points and a good work out ahead of Astana the priority without any injuries picked up.

In their two domestic matches so far the hoops have shown some great passages of play with a clear improvement over the fortnight from the Rosenborg home match.

At this stage of the season Rodgers has to balance between two priorities while also scanning the transfer market for improvements.

All the other issues will be put to the side as the game kicks off at Firhill with the players selected knowing that full points are needed to be in contention for the Astana clash five days later.

CRAIG GORDON

Had a very quiet night against Killie and can expect more of the same at Firhill.

He hasn’t given Dorus de Vries a look in since he regained his first team place and will be eager to take a clean sheet into the Astana match.

The goal lost against Hearts didn’t look good but another work out with the central defence is needed before Wednesday’s Champions League play-off.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

Will have taken careful note of Tony Ralston’s display against Killie and know that he has real competition for his place.

With his ability and experience Lustig will remain the first pick in Brendan Rodgers side but can expect regular breathers as Ralston is brought into the first team set up.

Having played in all six title successes, like Scott Brown and James Forrest he’ll have his eyes on a seventh gong and another tilt at the Champions League.

JOZO SIMUNOVIC

The leader of the pack, the lack of alternatives has forced added responsibility onto his shoulders and he has responded brilliantly.

Nir Bitton is his latest defensive partner with the former Dinamo Zagreb man taking the lead role and challenging for every ball.

Two years after signing he now has the chance to earn a place in the group phase of the Champions League, the sort of platform he needs to perform at.

NIR BITTON

The central defensive adventure is likely to continue with the Israeli just ahead of Kristoffer Ajer in the pecking order.

His passing ability out of defence is priceless but he is still untested in the basics of defending.

With the backing and belief of his manager Bitton will go into the game full of confidence knowing that his prospects of a place in midfield are getting remote.

KIERAN TIERNEY

What more can the week hold for the ever popular 20-year-old- a hat-trick or scoring with a header from outside the penalty box?

He’ll be tearing up and down the wing at Firhill with confidence sky high as he approaches his third season as a regular and closes in on his 100th appearance.

Wherever he plays, whoever he plays alongside he is a guaranteed to turn in 8 out of 10 performances, there’s plenty more from this bhoy.

SCOTT BROWN

Had a rare free midweek due to suspension and will be itching to get into the thick of the action at Firhill.

Broony has still to hit top form this season but is an essential element of any Celtic side.

Whatever is required by Brendan Rodgers on the pitch the former Hibs man will carry it out and go the extra mile to ensure another victory.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

Is growing rapidly into this Celtic side, Rodgers wasn’t paying £4m for a squad player.

Game by game he is getting into the Celtic way, the passes and runs are getting a bit more ambitious as he reaches towards top form.

Every game is precious just now as he prepares to play his part in taking Celtic into the group phase of the Champions League.

JAMES FORREST

Will be looking to build on his display away to Rosenborg and knows that Patrick Roberts could be breathing down his neck any time soon.

His style will always annoy some fans but a succession of managers have wanted him to be a part of their Celtic team.

On the wing or pushed through the middle he has a big contribution to make, Rodgers knows exactly what he will get from the former Academy kid.

CALLUM MCGREGOR

It says everything about his form that he is now ahead of Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic for a key position in Brendan Rodgers side.

McGregor has always had to work his way into the Celtic side but has done it time and time again.

He can play the defensive or attacking midfield role equally well and crucially has an eye for goal and composure when presented with a chance.

SCOTT SINCLAIR

Enjoyed a rest against Kilmarnock and can look forward to plenty of the ball against Thistle.

He is capable of scoring in every match with his close range effort against Hearts the exception with most of his goals of the spectacular variety.

After a year of success he’ll be looking to do even better this season with the Champions League the stage that he is up here to enjoy.

LEIGH GRIFFITHS

Has scored four goals in his last two appearances despite being substituted in both matches.

Brendan Rodgers knows that his contribution is priceless, if Celtic can get in front expect the former Hibs striker to be substituted.

He played a massive part in getting Celtic into the group phase of the Champions League last season, this time his goal will be to have a central role in those matches.