Celtic host Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup fourth round on Sunday afternoon as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to extend their winning run to five matches in all competitions.
The Hoops will be overwhelming favourites to breeze past the Highland League side on home soil, given their superior quality but the Moray-based fifth tier visitors will be eager to cause one of the competition’s biggest ever cup upsets. That will undoubtedly be an extremely difficult task against a Celtic team bidding to retain the silverware, having lifted the trophy for a record-extending 41st time last season. With Rangers breathing down their necks in the Scottish Premiership title race, the Parkhead club will be eager to add to their trophy cabinet this term.
Buckie arrive in Glasgow’s East End on a three-match winning run and remain unbeaten in their last six games. They knocked out Tayport (4-0) in the first round of the tournament before a narrow 1-0 win over fellow Highland outfit Forres Mechanics. They needed a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Broxburn Athletic in round three following a 2-2 draw in regulation time to reach this stage.
Here’s our predicted Celtic starting XI to face Buckie Thistle:
1. Joe Hart – GK
Rodgers’ undisputed No.1 and that is unlikely to change between now and the end of the season. Celtic will wait until the summer to recruit a new stopper.
2. Anthony Ralston – RB
A good opportunity for the back-up right back to get some valuable game time under his belt against lesser opposition.
3. Stephen Welsh – RCB
With Carter-Vickers sidelined, this could present the Scotland Under-21 international with another chance to impress. Might come up against his cousin and Buckie Thistle striker Josh Peters.
4. Liam Scales – LCB
The Irishman has been the surprise package this season. Has barely put a foot wrong since the start of the campaign.
5. Greg Taylor – LB
Faces little competition for a starting berth and will be given the nod again with youngster Mitchel Frame expected to feature among the substitutes.
6. Callum McGregor – CM
The skipper will be feeling refreshed after a fortnight’s rest and recovery period after an intense first half of the season.
7. Odin Thiago Holm – CM
The Norwegian has had to bid his time but this could be an excellent chance for him to step up and get some crucial minutes and more experience.
8. David Turnbull – CAM
Like Holm, the attacking midfielder has been unable to nail down a place in the team after failing to grasp recent opportunities. The impressive form of Bernardo has limited him to a watching brief of late.
9. Liel Abada – RW
With Maeda and Yang on Asian Cup duty, the Israeli should be reinstated after making his comeback from a long-term injury over the festive period.
10. Luis Palma – LW
Has proved to be Celtic’s most successful summer recruit. The Honduran continues to perform to a consistent high standard.
11. Kyogo Furuhashi – CF
Hasn’t fired as often in front of goal this term but a few goals here could do his confidence the world of good moving forward.
Leave a Reply