Celtic team to face Hibs

With three creative players out through injury Saturday’s match against Hibs is an opportunity for Brendan Rodgers to shake things up a little.

When there was a surplus of midfielders the case for playing a 4-2-3-1 set up was obvious but without Patrick Roberts, Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic there is more of a case for playing 4-4-2.

I really hate stats but at present 66% of our strikers are looking on from the sidelines which hasn’t really been successful with question marks against all three players.

Whether it was Leigh Griffiths or having two strikers on the park there was a marked improvement in the second half performance against Partick Thistle.

Ideally playing a 4-2-3-1 is the system that Rodgers wants to play but without that creative ‘number 10’ and with a strong strike force to call on playing 4-4-2 makes more sense at the moment. During the Deila days we’d never have had the luxury of leaving Griffiths or Moussa Dembele on the bench.

Hibs have drawn twice with Celtic this season, an 11 point lead is impressive but with two strikers playing on Saturday a very positive message can be sent out that the bhoys are back in business and ready to crush domestic ‘contenders’.

CRAIG GORDON

Has been in steady impressive form recently, the Scotland keeper hasn’t lost a goal from open play since the defeat at Tynecastle.

The passing between the goalkeeper and some defenders will always create a sharp intake of breath but Gordon seems to be dealing with that better.

With a regular pairing in front of him the understanding seems to be better, a couple of clean sheets against Hibs and Hearts would be very welcome.

ANTHONY RALSTON

September was the last time that Ralston appeared in action but the reports are that he is fit again and ready to play.

He started the season very well and looked a capable deputy for Mikael Lustig but has lost that early momentum.

Lustig looks badly in need of a rest or the competition he faced last season from Cristian Gamboa, the return of Ralston would suit everyone.

DEDRYCK BOYATA

Still has to convince the support of his worth but there’s no doubt that he has the backing of his manager.

For a Celtic defender he sees an awful lot of the ball in every match, it seems that every ball out of defence goes through the Belgian at some stage.

The arrival of Marvin Compper and emergence of Kris Ajer creates an interesting situation against a backdrop of there being 17 months left on Boyata’s contract.

KRIS AJER

Looked vulnerable at times against Thistle, that Glasgow derby seemed to test him more than the clash with Sevco.

The experience will have did him good and reminded the management and supporters that he is still young and relatively new to playing in defence.

The run he is having in the team is exactly what any young player is looking for, Ajer is taking his opportunity in both hands.

KIERAN TIERNEY

No player in Europe has played more matches this season, his appearance against Partick Thistle was his 43 of the season which is a season to most players in Scotland.

After his break in Tenerife and Dubai he looks fitter and fresher although end of season trips to Peru and Mexico won’t carry much appeal.

He has no competition for his place but remains fully focussed as his midweek interview with Chris Sutton proved.

JAMES FORREST

Put in a fantastic second half against Partick after being virtually ignored during the first 45 minutes.

He was almost as influential as substitute Griffiths and was virtually unplayable for the over worked Thistle defence.

He has been one of the most influential players of the season with a growing influence on the way Celtic attack opponents.

SCOTT BROWN

The skipper is as influential as ever on the team, Celtic without Brown is unthinkable.

He is very comfortable picking the ball up from deep and capable of taking play deep towards opponents.

There is a growing understanding with Olivier Ntcham that is looking more purposeful and productive with each passing experience.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

After half a season adjusting to the demands of the Scottish game a lot is expected of the French u-21 internationalist this year.

Bringing a consistency to his game would be very welcome but the good performances are outnumbering the indifferent ones.

His defensive game is strong and resolute, developing his attacking ideas look rewarding as he shows a good eye for goal.

SCOTT SINCLAIR

Is apparently off form but still making a major contribution, especially in scoring terms.

He seemed to be at his best last season when Dembele was in the side but is more than capable of making an impact whatever the formation or personnel.

He seems a bit miffed by the media criticism compared to last season- and knows the best way possible of answering those who question or criticise his contribution.

MOUSSA DEMBELE

Man of the moment, or is he.

Today’s developments were certainly unexpected, hopefully the striker is ready for an explosive run in front of goal.

Playing in a front two shares the goal burden and also doubles the threat to defenders who have grown used to playing against, and combatting, a system that only used one striker.

LEIGH GRIFFITHS

Came off the bench to turn the game at Firhill and will be expecting a starting place against the club he has supported all his days.

After the win over Partick Thistle he gave a composed and mature performance to the BT Sport questions, the sort of qualities he demonstrates around goal.

He has overcome all sorts of challenges during four years at Celtic- who would bet against him hitting his 100th Celtic goal against Hearts on Tuesday?