The goalkeeper has changed today, and that is the headline story. Barkas is in.
Should we draw any conclusions from that?
Yes, I think we probably should. I reckon – and I have expressed my hope to this effect – that Barkas will play at Ibrox.
That’s a controversial viewpoint, and certainly a bad afternoon today would almost certainly result in his being dropped for that one, but I reckon he’ll get the nod and I reckon that decision is broadly correct. I’m also glad to see Jullien back, because that suggests that he’s in contention as well which would see Ajer move, on the day, to the right back spot.
Two strikers today, Griffiths and Eddie. That is a big hint that both will play at Ibrox.
Since I expect the partnership to pay off today I think it would be inexcusable if Lennon didn’t go with them.
The shape of the team remains the 4-4-2, and Soro and Turnbull both play.
I expect Soro to drop out at Ibrox but so far the boy has been solid and I like watching him.
The team is the right one today, and I expect to enjoy the match. It’s what it suggests about Ibrox, and who we play in goal and how we’re likely to line up at the back, which will get the headlines and generate all the interest.
I don’t disagree with a single decision about the starting line-up this afternoon; even the inclusion of Frimpong, which at Ibrox would be a costly mistake, is a good call today because at Celtic Park he will get up and down the pitch and wreck a bit of havoc.
The full line up is as follows;
Barkas Frimpong Ajer Jullien Laxalt Christie Soro McGregor Turnbull Griffiths Edouard
Subs: Hazard Taylor Bitton Duffy Brown Rogic Ajeti Johnston Elyounoussi
See you on the other side, folks.
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