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Celtic vs. Kilmarnock: Youth served in hoops lineup

By Andrew Coppens

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 14: Tom Rogic (R) of Celtic and Robert Garrett (L) of Linfield during the Champions League second round first leg qualifying game between Linfield and Celtic at Windsor Park on July 14, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 14: Tom Rogic (R) of Celtic and Robert Garrett (L) of Linfield during the Champions League second round first leg qualifying game between Linfield and Celtic at Windsor Park on July 14, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /
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Celtic took care of business in their Champions League midweek action, now it is on to the business of domestic football once again.

The opponent should be rather familiar, as Celtic take on Kilmarnock for the second time this season already. Killie and the Bhoys previously met in the League Cup round of 16. A youthful Celtic side advanced easily, scoring a 5-0 victory.

But, the League Cup and Scottish Premiership are two different animals. With another Champions League play-off tie to go, will Brendan Rodgers give some of the big names a rest? After all, the young Bhoys were able to handle the full Killie side rather easily last time out.

Let’s take a look at the Starting XI’s and find out exactly what Rodgers was thinking in his lineup.

Celtic Starting XI:

Kilmarnock Starting XI:

Analysis:

Can you say change bhoys and ghirls? That certainly is the name of the game for Rodgers’ side for this tie with Killie. It also is a smart move given the amount of fixtures that appear to be on Celtic’s horizon in the Champions League.

In total, six changes were made to the side that defeated Astana 5-0 at Paradise on Wednesday. Just about every major player sees the bench in favor of a youthful side — one that looks a lot like the one we saw the last time these two teams met.

That’s particularly the case in the back four, as Kieran Tierney slides in to the middle and becomes the oldest member of the defense. He’ll partner with Kristoff Ajer in the middle, while Anthony Ralston and Calvin Miller get the call on the flanks of defense.

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Celtic still field a strong midfield, with captain Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong pairing up. Callum McGregor also sees the pitch in an interesting center of midfield pairing.

Tom Rogic, who has been on fire lately, also gets the starting nod and will be a key player to watch in this matchup as it appears he will be playing on the right wing.

The attacking third will be very interesting to watch not only because of Rogic’s role, but also because Kundai Benyu makes just his second competitive start for the club.

James Forrest will lead the group up top. His selection over Leigh Griffiths is a smart one, as Rodgers and the staff clearly have to be smart with the mileage they put on Griffiths’ body so quickly after a return from a nagging injury.

Overall, this side needs to show that it can duplicate at least the level of play it did in the League Cup. Expecting another 5-0 drubbing may be a bit much, but the effort and danger need to be there if most of this side want to be in the rotation for the rest of the season.

Get yourself used to this lineup being employed on the weekends against lower Scottish Premiership sides. It’s only smart for Rodgers to allow the experience to come for the young players while holding on to the top of the league.

Next: Armstrong's new deal doesn't settle much at all

Can this group make it 52 unbeaten in domestic play? Let’s sure hope it is a Celtic party at Rugby Park.

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