OPINION
It has been almost two weeks before Celtic signed off their last match before the international break with a superb 2-0 win against Rangers at Ibrox but Neil Lennon’s men return to Scottish Premiership action on Saturday when they take on Hamilton at New Douglas Park.
Although the international break has been one where the Hoops faithful have savoured their Glasgow derby victory, a couple of players have picked up injuries since that win at Ibrox and Lennon could also have one eye on Thursday night’s Europa League group stage showdown against Rennes when he selects his team for Saturday.
Lennon, as quoted by Celtic’s official Twitter account on Friday, has confirmed that Nir Bitton, Mikey Johnston and Jozo Simunovic will miss the Bhoys’ trip to Hamilton due to injury.
Bitton is set to miss the next three weeks while Johnston has a “groin injury” and Simunovic is set to see a specialist about an ongoing “problem” with his knee.
That means that Lennon could be forced into two changes from the side that beat Rangers with Bitton and Johnston two players who both started that game.
As a result, it is predicted that Mortiz Bauer will earn his first start since his summer loan switch to Celtic Park from Stoke while Mohamed Elyounoussi could be awarded a debut on the left-wing due to Johnston’s injury.
Goalkeeper
Fraser Forster was signed in the summer as Celtic’s new number one goalkeeper so it would be a huge surprise to see Lennon drop him from this game as he searches for a bit of continuity in his defence amid a spate of injuries.
Defence
As Bauer is predicted to start at right-back, Hatem Abd Elhamed could move inside to play a central defensive role alongside Christoper Jullien. Boli Bolingoli could start at left-back after he started in the win against Rangers and Lennon might want to try to avoid making too many changes to his back-line.
Midfield
Scott Brown and Callum McGregor could keep hold of their spots in the central midfield roles while James Forrest is predicted to start on the right-wing. Ryan Christie has started three of Celtic’s four league matches this term so is expected to retain his spot in the number 10 position. Lennon has hinted that Elyounoussi could start versus Hamilton due to Johnston’s injury so that is what is likely to happen on Saturday [Sky Sports].
Striker
Lennon could go with either Odsonne Edouard or Leigh Griffiths to play up front against Hamilton with both of his strikers fit to play. Edouard has scored in each of his three league outings this term which means that he might be above Griffiths in the pecking order at the moment. However there is always the chance that Lennon will rest the Frenchman for the Europa League clash with Rennes and start Griffiths. This is one position that could go either way.
TIF Verdict
It is hard to see anything but a convincing Celtic win in this match. Hamilton have won one of their four opening league matches while the Bhoys are already running off into the distance at the top with four wins in four and 17 goals scored.
Hamilton 0-4 Celtic
Watch it!
Celtic and Hamilton will be broadcast live on BT Sport 3 with coverage beginning at 11:30am and kick-off half an hour later.
This is the starting line-up we predict Lennon to field against Hamilton:
