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Celtic vs. Ross County: Starting XI’s and Analysis

By Andrew Coppens

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 12: Moussa Dembele of Celtic (R) wins a header over Lee Hodson of Rangers (L) during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on March 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 12: Moussa Dembele of Celtic (R) wins a header over Lee Hodson of Rangers (L) during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on March 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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The chase for new Celtic FC records is on. It is what happens when you’ve locked up the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup already.

Earlier this week in-form midfielder Scott Sinclair openly talked about the next milestone for this team to reach — 100 goals in SPFL play. The Bhoys are just 15 goals away from that mark, but getting there requires some big numbers against some of the smaller sides.

Ross County come in to the match sitting in 8th place on just 32 points this season. It will be Celtic’s final chance to put up big numbers against a bottom-half side, as this is the final league match ahead of the split.

Given that fact, one could think Rodgers will play around with the lineup a bit and try to continue rotating his side ahead of back-to-back clashes with Sevco in the coming weeks.

Just how will Rodgers set up his side against the Staggies? Let’s have a look at the Starting XI’s for both sides.

Celtic Starting XI: 

Ross County Starting XI:

Analysis:

There’s little doubt about manager Brendan Rodgers’ plan at this point. He isn’t letting his foot off the gas at all, and this Starting XI is proof of that in a major way.

Of course, the headline is Moussa Dembele’s return to the Starting XI. It is his first start since March 19th against Dundee, and an expected move after he got action as a sub in a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock.

Additional goal-scoring firepower is on the bench as well, as Leigh Griffiths is back on the team sheet after his own injury issues.

But, the real interesting situation comes in the back line, as it will be three at the back with Jozo Simunovic, Eric Sviatchenko and Kiernan Tierney just ahead of Craig Gordon. That means Mikael Lustig is given the day off, as he isn’t listed on the bench either.

It also means an interesting midfield that sees the returning Tom Rogic pairing with Stuart Armstrong, Scott Sinclair and James Forrest in attacking midfield roles. How that group gets on will likely tell us all we need to know about this match.

As for Ross County, captain Andrew Davies wasn’t a sure bet to make the Starting XI due to a back injury. However, he is in the lineup and will make a go of it for the Staggies.

With Dembele back to the Starting XI, Celtic should have an easier go of it in the attacking third of the pitch. Can that translate in to an expected drubbing of Ross County? Time will tell, but this certainly is a side set up to attack and make a statement.

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