Celtic will face St Mirren without Matt O’Riley, who is closing in on a £25million move to Brighton. The Danish midfielder’s departure leaves a gaping hole in Celtic’s midfield, and manager Brendan Rodgers must decide how to replace him.
O’Riley’s exit is a significant blow to Celtic, who have relied on his creativity and vision in midfield. His partnership with Callum McGregor has been a key factor in Celtic’s success, and Rodgers must now find a new combination to replace them.
Here’s a predicted Celtic XI for the match:
- Kasper Schmeichel (GK) – The goalkeeper has been solid since his arrival, conceding only once.
- Alistair Johnston (RB) – A consistent performer and valuable member of the first team.
- Cameron Carter-Vickers (CB) – One of the first names on the team sheet when fit.
- Liam Scales (CB) – Rodgers is a fan, and Scales has been solid domestically.
- Greg Taylor (LB) – The club wants to strengthen this position, but Taylor has been good enough to be the number one choice.
- Reo Hatate (DM) – Could partner McGregor in midfield.
- Callum McGregor (DM) – A key player for Celtic.
- Jota (RW) – A talented winger who can create opportunities.
- Kyogo Furuhashi (ST) – Rodgers must decide whether to start Kyogo, who has been linked with a move away.
- Daizen Maeda (LW) – A pacey winger who can cause problems for St Mirren.
- Sead Haksabanovic (AM) – Could replace O’Riley in the number 10 role.
Celtic is also targeting Arne Engels and Mateusz Bogusz to replace O’Riley, but until then, Rodgers must find a solution. The match against St Mirren will be a test for Celtic without their star midfielder.
Rodgers has options in midfield, but none of them offer the same creativity and vision as O’Riley. Haksabanovic could be the closest thing to O’Riley, but he lacks experience in the Premier League.
Celtic’s transfer business has been a topic of discussion, with some fans questioning the club’s decision to sell O’Riley. However, Rodgers has stated that the club needs to strengthen in other areas, and the money from O’Riley’s sale will be used to bring in new players.
The match against St Mirren will be a crucial test for Celtic, who need to bounce back from their defeat against Rangers. Rodgers will be hoping that his team can adapt to O’Riley’s absence and find a way to win without their star midfielder.
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