Predicted XI - How Celtic could line up against Motherwell at Fir Park in Premier Sports Cup Quarter-Final

Ange Postecoglou is expected to make several alterations, with a late decision to be made on who will start in goals.
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Holders Celtic will lock horns with Motherwell in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Fir Park tonight in a fixture they have dominated for many years.

The Hoops, who defeated Hibernian at Hampden Park to lift the trophy last season, are on the verge of securing another trip to the national stadium after seeing off fellow top-flight side Ross County in the previous round.

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In contrast, Motherwell displayed their ruthless streak by thrashing Inverness 4-0 but it remains to be seen how Steven Hammell’s men handle the attacking threats at Celtic’s disposal in this fixture.

Celtic players such as Josip Juranovic and Cameron Carter-Vickers could be involved in the World Cup.Celtic players such as Josip Juranovic and Cameron Carter-Vickers could be involved in the World Cup.
Celtic players such as Josip Juranovic and Cameron Carter-Vickers could be involved in the World Cup.

Ange Postecoglou has to make do without a number of key players once again, with Jota and David Turnbull nearing a return to fitness but knee injury victims Callum McGregor and Carl Starfelt will remain on the sidelines for a number of weeks.

Changes are expected in various areas of the pitch, with a crucial Premiership encounter with Hearts on Saturday followed by a vitally important Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk also on the horizon.

Here, GlasgowWorld predicts how Celtic will line up against the Steelmen this evening:

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Postecoglou admits he won’t rush any players back from injury but hinted at a change between the sticks for this cup tie, with a late call to be made later today.

Benjamin Siegrist took over the gloves in the previous round of the competition in a much-changed side against Ross County, but the Hoops boss claims that doesn’t necessarily means he will start ahead of No.1 Joe Hart this evening.

Benjamin Siegrist, Joe Hart and Scott Bain are all vying for the Celtic gloves tonight against Motherwell.Benjamin Siegrist, Joe Hart and Scott Bain are all vying for the Celtic gloves tonight against Motherwell.
Benjamin Siegrist, Joe Hart and Scott Bain are all vying for the Celtic gloves tonight against Motherwell.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Australian said: “We will see. I haven’t really thought about the team yet. I will look at in on Wednesday.

“Benji has been training well but Joe is playing well, and Scott Bain and young Tobi (Oluwayemi) are also doing well and working hard. I will make a decision on who starts on Wednesday.”

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“The squad is pretty much as it from the weekend. Everyone is fine from the Hibs game and the ones who were out, are still out. I will go off the medical advice. When the physios tell me these players are ready, we will include them.”

Celtic could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with deadline day signing Oliver Abildgaard sitting in a deep-lying midfield role.

BENJAMIN SIEGRIST: (GK) - The Swiss stopper has served as understudy to Hart since arriving in the summer but started against Ross County in the previous round and could take over for this match.

ANTHONY RALSTON: (RB) - Excellent against Hibs on Saturday and deserves to keep his place in the side.

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CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS: (CB) - A mainstay of the Hoops backline when fit and will continue to take on the role as stand-in captain during McGregor’s absence.

MORITZ JENZ: (CB) - Has formed a strong partnership with Carter-Vickers in recent months and looks the ideal candidate to match up against the physical presence of Kevin van Veen.

ALEXANDRO BERNABEI: (LB) - The Argentinian has impressed since filling in for Taylor at full-back, taking his opportunity and providing a couple of assists in recent weeks.

Alexandro Bernabei has two assists in his past two Celtic matches.Alexandro Bernabei has two assists in his past two Celtic matches.
Alexandro Bernabei has two assists in his past two Celtic matches.

OLIVER ABILDGAARD: (CDM) - Exactly the type of game that will help the Danish holding midfielder get his fitness levels up. Still looks to be finding his feet.

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AARON MOOY: (CM) - I believe O’Riley deserves a rest following a busy run of games and the experienced Australian can take over and deputise in the middle of the park.

REO HATATE: (CM) - Another player who has tasted a lot of action in recent months. A key figure in terms of providing a link between defence and attack.

SEAD HAKSABANOVIC: (LW) - Has shone in a No.10 role in recent weeks but eqaully comfortable playing out in a wider role. Came off at half-time against Hibs as a precaution after carrying a minor knock.

GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS: (CF) - Added another two goals to his tally against Hibs and is always a handful for opposition defences.

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JAMES FORREST: (RW) - Full of confidence after scoring a hat-trick on his first start of the season at the weekend. Surely can’t be dropped on that form?

On the bench: Hart (GK), Bain (GK), Taylor, Furuhashi, Abada, Mooy, McCarthy, Ideguchi, Maeda, Ralston

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