With kick-off less than five hours away, Brendan Rodgers will undoubtedly know his Celtic team for Aberdeen’s visit this afternoon in the Scottish Premiership.
Rodgers will still be smarting from the humiliating Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid and will be looking to win and win big against Barry Robson’s side.
Indeed, Celtic will have to go into the game without injured winger, Daizen Maeda and TBR Celtic has already identified one possible replacement in Rocco Vata for the Japanese speedster this morning.
However, when you look at the squad, it is unlikely Vata will start but he could be looking at a place on the Celtic bench.
Mikey Johnston will start for Celtic vs Aberdeen
The Republic of Ireland international is likely to be given the nod for Celtic against The Dons today. Rodgers will be looking to keep up the intensity of the Hoops attack and Johnston is a player who can certainly do that.
He is direct, quick and likes to take a man on. Yes, there are lingering doubts over his consistency and his final ball but when you look at the other options available to Rodgers, the ‘exciting‘ winger is the best one available.
Johnston’s confidence is high after representing and scoring for the Republic of Ireland this season already
And whilst I think he will get the nod, Johnston must heed Rodgers’ words of warning about needlessly giving away possession in his last outing in a Celtic jersey. So here is my Celtic Predicted XI vs Aberdeen.
Paulo Bernardo drops out, David Turnbull comes in for Celtic vs Aberdeen
The Portuguese midfielder will settle for a place on the bench this afternoon. That is not a slight on any of his performances but simply down to the need for Celtic to win big with plenty of goals.
The Hoops support will be looking for a big reaction to the Tuesday night defeat and David Turnbull gives Rodgers that ammunition from midfield.
The Scottish international has scored five SPFL goals for Celtic this season and has grabbed a goal in the Hoops’ last two wins over Ross County and St Mirren respectively.
Turnbull’s ability to hit the back of the net from range could be vital for Celtic against an Aberdeen side who are likely to camp in and make life difficult for Brendan Rodgers.
And with his contract still up for renewal, Turnbull knows that the more he continues to impress the better his chances are of earning a new deal at Celtic.
Predicted Celtic XI vs Aberdeen
Score Prediction: Celtic 3 v 0 Aberdeen