Celtic vs. Inverness: Starting XI’s and Analysis

No team has been able to stop Celtic fully in Scottish football this season. But, there is one that managed to nick a point off the Bhoys, and that was Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

It just so happened to take place away from Paradise, and Celtic will return to the scene of the only two missed points of the Scottish Premiership campaign. No doubt those missing points are fresh on the minds of the players.

However, this match has much more importance for the hosts than the visitors, with Inverness sitting at the bottom of the SPFL table and two points adrift of Hamilton. Will that mean anything to this matchup?

It’s hard to believe that given the form of these two teams and Celtic’s run to another historic season in the storied history of the club.

Let’s look at the Starting XI Brendan Rodgers has decided for this visit to the Highlands.

Celtic Starting XI:

Inverness Starting XI:

Analysis: 

Celtic are coming out strong with a lineup we should all be familiar with these days. There’s only one major change to the Hoops Starting XI as Gordon Mackay-Steven is in for Liam Henderson. We also see the return of Mikael Lustig at his usual right back position, one that Cristian Gamboa occupied on the weekend.

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The inclusion of Mackay-Steven shouldn’t be a surprising move, as he looked great last weekend off the bench in place of Henderson who was on for the injured James Forrest.

With Stuart Armstrong back in the lineup over the last few matches, Celtic also have a lot more fluidity to the midfield look and Mackay-Steven’s ability to play in multiple roles could be a big help against a side that appears.

Patrick Roberts still isn’t ready, so until he comes off the injury list, look for Henderson and Mackay-Steven to get major minutes on the right wing. Celtic are also still without Jozo Simunovic, meaning the center back rotation happening earlier in the second half of the season is still on hold.

No matter, as Celtic have given up two goals in league play in the month of February.

Celtic’s attack looks strong, and after a 2-2 draw with Inverness in the first meeting of the season, the Hoops have put up a 9-0 advantage on Calley Thistle. Six of those goals did come in a 6-0 drubbing in the latest meeting, one that took place in the Scottish Cup fifth round.

Inverness only has one of two goal-scorers from that infamous match on Sept. 18 in the lineup, as on loan midfielder Billy King features in the Calley Thistle Starting XI.

Look for the Bhoys to be keen to jump on this game early, control possession and break down a team that is going to park the bus. You know, like ever other team in Scottish football has this season — to no avail.