The learning period and experimentation is over. Neil Lennon will play a more familiar looking line-up on Sunday, with James Forrest on the right, Ryan Christie in the middle. Neither are as effective in other positions.
Odsonne Eduard will be given every chance. He, Boli Bolingoli, Jonny Hayes and Mohamed Elyounoussi have all been allowed to recuperate from various strains in recent weeks. Even if they all pass fitness tests, due to their common injury type, Neil has to consider the high possibility of a relapse in their first outing. This could force early substitutions in a game that could go to extra-time.
These permutations make a lottery out of guessing our left flank. Bolingoli or Hayes at left back, with Elyounoussi or Mikey Johnston at left-mid. Johnston is back from injury and in sparkling form. He played a crucial role in the win at Ibrox in September when these two teams last met but Neil Lennon may prefer Elyounoussi to add a greater physical presence.
Jeremie Frimpong will almost certainly get the nod ahead of Moritz Bauer, with Hatem Elhamed still injured (from yet another strain). The regular core of the side: Kristoffer Ajer, Christopher Jullien, Scott Brown, Callum McGregor and Fraser Forster, will all play.
This is not an occasion for an inexperienced winger to play centre forward. Lewis Morgan is at the very early stages of learning this role, if Eduard is not fit, Leigh Griffiths should start.
Whoever loses on Sunday will leave Hampden knowing they have bigger fish to fry this season, but the victory will make anything and everything seem possible for the winners.
In Celtic’s favour, they have players who have regularly been through challenges like this and come away with the win. Players like McGregor, Forrest and Brown could write a manual on how to win at Hampden. We can also expect a match-winning performance from James Forrest.
After recovering from a two-goal deficit against Newco on Wednesday, Aberdeen manager, Derek McInnes, spoke about the aggression his team showed to get back into the game. On Sunday, both teams will be hyped up and ready for the battle, managing that aggression, however, will be important. Celtic are clear favourites but a careless red card would change that.
Tom Rogic signed shirt raffle for Celtic FC Foundation
The Celtic squad wore a special shirt for last month’s league game against Motherwell, bearing the Celtic FC Foundation Christmas Appeal logo instead of the normal Dafabet logo on the front, and the words “Christmas Appeal” on the back, instead of the Magners logo.
Tom Rogic’s signed shirt from that day is available for raffle. Each donation of £10 or more will be entered into a draw, which will take place on Friday 13 December. The shirt will be posted on Monday 16th (or available for collection at the Hibs game on Sunday 15th).
The Celtic FC Foundation do incredible work throughout the world all year round, but their work with those most in need in the winter months, and for children and families coping with chronic poverty, can give warmth, nourishment, self-respect and human compassion that some people struggle to find. All donations go straight to the Foundation.
This is why Celtic exists. You can enter here at JustGiving. Good luck and thank you!!
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My condolonces, Saint Stivs
:0
:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Today’s official League Cup Final starting line up ……
Forster; Frimpong, Jullien, Ajer, Hayes; Brown, McGregor; Forrest, Christie, Elyounoussi, Morgan
Subs: Gordon, Bolingoli, Bitton, Rogic, Ntcham, Johnston, Edouard
Come on you Bhoys in Green.
It is well Mork and Mindy in Barrow. Goodness knows how it is up in Glasgow.
We have an absolutely outstanding Manager in Neil.
Go get that 10th Lenny.
Griffiths doesn’t even make the bench!!
both front player to run them ragged for the first hour and score a couple then Mikey and French Eddy on for the kill
Griffiths no where
Makes more sense having Eddie on the bench, rather than in from the start where the tackles could be fierce early on.
That is some bench.
CANAMALAR IT LOOKS LIKE OCD OBSESSION on 8TH DECEMBER 2019 1:22 PM
Macjay…,
What you talking about a win for them feeds their triumphalism and they expect to win the title cause they’re back and a trophy proves it.
Get a grip ffs
============================================
Hun triumphalism doesn`t dependent on feeding .
Never has , never will.
Well and duly gripped , but thanks for your unsolicited advice.
Frimpong V Kent probably .
Mmmmm.
I can see high balls to the back post.
A strong team with a strong bench. Glad we have our first choice midfield. Will be interested to see how Frimpong does against Kent. Hopefully Kent will be doing the defending.
Surprised Bauer didn’t make the squad, but I assume that is because Ajer can cover RB, whereas there would be no LB cover if Hayes got injured.
Also, it shows you how far LG is off the pace. He has been involved in the last 4 games off the bench but can’t make today’s squad with a converted winger leading the line. A striker is badly needed in January and a loan deal for LG to Hibs for the last 6 months of the season would also be good.
Didn’t initially spot that there is no Griff on the bench, no Bauer either if Frimpong is under pressure.
No out ball with Morgan. The Huns will press us high up the pitch hoping for a punt up to Morgan.
St. Stubs: Sincerest condolences on your sad loss.
Ar dheis láimh Dhé go raibh anam uasal Bill Higgins.
Stubs = Stivs
Barisic starts for the Huns, no sign of Davis.
ST.STIVS
Condolences on your sad loss
LIVE UPDATES UP
I think Wednesday was Bauer’s Cup Final audition, and like me, Lenny didn’t see enough from him.
🍀⚽️
ST STIVS…
Sad news, may your Dad Rest in Peace. 🍀🍀
Paul67 et al
The League Cup was important for Jimmy
Was important for Big Jock
Was important for Martin
Was important for Gordon
Is important for Neilly.
RIP Bill Higgins