Celtic take on Partick Thistle at Celtic Park tonight in a game that could move them a massive 14 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.The fixture is one rearranged from August and is one of the Hoops’ games in hand over the teams below them.
Although picking up another two victories over the last week, the Bhoys’ performance levels have dipped slightly and Thistle will be keen to find out whether they can capitalise on any complacency creeping in.
Midweek winter games can always be difficult no matter the quality in your side and Celtic will have to apply themselves with determination and desire, or else risk dropping points against a side that hasn’t been them since 1995.
The Bhoys still have four fixtures to play between now and the end of December and that may be reflected in the team selection given some players are looking a little tired.
This is our XI that we think can get the job done vs Partick Thistle…
GK: Craig Gordon
Craig Gordon had little to do on Saturday against Dundee. The Dees came to Celtic Park with the intention to shut up shop and despite giving the Bhoys a late scare, they offered little in attack.
Gordon was so stuck for things to do in the first half that he was sprinting forward to take throw-ins to warm up his legs.
Still, he’ll need to tap into his concentration to stay vigilant against a Thistle side that are unlikely to demand constant attention from the ‘keeper.
RB: Mikael Lustig
Cristian Gamboa came into the side on Saturday at right-back to replace Mikael Lustig. He was one of the Hoops’ better performers on the day, getting forward to provide an attacking option on the overlap.
Unfortunately, his final ball wasn’t quite there and we’d expect most Celtic fans to be happy if there was a return for Mikael Lustig, a player who has been so consistent under Brendan Rodgers.
CB: Jozo Simunovic
Jozo Simunovic continues his fine partnership with Erik Sviatchenko and deserves to retain his place in the side, though if the manager would want to rest him in any game between now and the end of the year it would be this one.
The big defender still isn’t up to full fitness compared to the rest of the squad and could miss out.
There’s little room for not playing the best side possible right now and the defence is undoubtedly in safer hands when he plays.
CB: Erik Sviatchenko
The Danish defender is easily the best partner for Simunovic right now and despite not looking at his peak best in recent weeks, he should retain his place for the visit of Partick Thistle.
It will be Sviatchenko’s 26th appearance of the season already, which is quite the number considering it’s only December.
He’ll be hoping to get back to clean sheets after Celtic conceded a sloppy goal against Dundee on Saturday that brought them right back into the game.
LB: Emilio Izaguirre
Emilio Izaguirre’s appearances will be limited soon given Kieran Tierney is on his way back from injury, so Rodgers might as well give the Honduran as much game time as possible.
To be fair to the fans’ favourite he hasn’t really put a foot wrong apart from a disastrous 30 minutes away to Motherwell.
He’ll be his usual tireless self up against Thistle tonight.
CM: Scott Brown
Scott Brown had sit out Saturday’s win over Dundee after picking up too many yellow cards and receiving a one-game suspension.
The Bhoys badly missed his energy and determination in the middle of the park and he’ll be a welcome sight back for most Celtic fans this evening.
Keeping him injury free is going to be key to Celtic’s success this season and missing the game against Dundee may have actually done him the world of good. If he plays well, Celtic are almost guaranteed to beat most teams in Scotland.
RW: Patrick Roberts
Another who missed Saturday, Celtic badly needed the width and pace Roberts offers in wide areas. The experiment of playing Ryan Christie and Gary Mackay-Steven either side of TomÂRogic didn’t really work out.
After starting to show good form in recent weeks, he should be raring to go against Thistle and could be the key to unlocking what is likely to be a deep opposition defence.
AM: Ryan Christie
Ryan Christie didn’t have the best of games on his return to the starting XI on Saturday but we’re putting it down to the role he was asked to play rather than his ability.
With Tom Rogic picking up a nasty knock that forced him off, there’s no reason to risk him here for the visit of Partick Thistle.
Christie should be given the opportunity to show what he can do through the middle.
LW: Scott Sinclair
Scott Sinclair made his return from injury off the bench on Saturday and if he’s fit then he must play tonight.
Celtic have badly needed his pace, creativity and natural width on that left-hand side. There are three games between now and Ibrox and fans will be hoping he can get up to full speed before the trip to Govan on December 31st.
Tonight’s game will play a key role in that process.
ST: Leigh Griffiths
It’s three goals in three games now for Leigh Griffiths since his return to the team and it was his stunning free-kick that gave the Bhoys the lead just before half-time on Saturday.
There doesn’t look like a way back into the side for Moussa Dembele right now and he’ll have to again bide his time and take his chances just like at the start of the season.
We’re be backing Griffiths to make it four in four on tonight if he starts.