Ange Postecoglou has his sights set on keeping the Viaplay Cup in the Celtic trophy cabinet this season ahead of the semi-final clash with Kilmarnock.
And the Australian has almost a full strength squad to pick from for the clash at Hampden, with Greg Taylor continuing his spell on the sidelines after picking up a knock against Rangers in the first clash of 2023. Sead Haksabanovic, Stephen Welsh and James McCarthy also look set to miss out on the showdown with Ayrshire side.
Postecoglou hasn't been scared to shake up the starting XI for the cup clashes against Motherwell and Ross County so far this season and could show off his squad depth once again. Having faced off against Derek McInnes side just a week ago Postecoglou could look to present a different challenge to their Scottish Premiership rivals, while resting some of his stars ahead of Wednesday's clash with St Mirren.
The likes of Alistair Johnston, Joe Hart, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda could be given a break amid a packed fixture list. Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis have been rotated in and out during the cup games to this point, and the Greek striker could have been in line for a start at the national stadium.
However, with speculation over an imminent move to Urawa Red Diamonds ramping up, Postecoglou may look elsewhere for someone to lead the line. The Japan striker will likely keep his place but the likes of Jota could be move into a central role.
Predicted Celtic starting XI
Provisional Celtic squad
Goalkeepers
- Joe Hart
- Scott Bain
- Connor Hazard
- Benjamin Siegrist
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
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