Celtic’s Scottish Premiership clash against Aberdeen this afternoon will see John Kennedy take charge of his first game as interim Hoops manager.
The 48-year-old took over as caretaker following Neil Lennon’s decision to step down from the Parkhead position earlier this week.
Kennedy has already made changes to his coaching set-up with former Celtic skipper Stephen McManus joining as a first-team coach, but how will he set up his team for the first time?
Here at Herald and Times Sport we have predicted the Celtic team that will line-up against Derek McInnes’ Dons at Parkhead…
SCOTT BAIN
Bain has been the number one in recent weeks under Lennon and Kennedy will likely stick with him. A consistent selection of goalkeeper has been one of Celtic’s major problems this season and Bain appears to be the best option in the squad at the minute.
GREG TAYLOR
Has been a bright spark in the Hoops defence of late. Looks a threat going forward and has improved greatly on the defensive front. Faces a late fitness test ahead of Aberdeen but will play if passed fit.
KRISTOFFER AJER
The Norwegian will start on the left of centre in Celtic's back four and will be tasked with the job of stepping forward into the attack with the Hoops expected to control possession.
STEPHEN WELSH
Came back in after injury up in the Highlands but didn’t impress in a lacklustre Hoops performance. Will be preferred to the inconsistent Shane Duffy though and will only get better with a run of games at the young age of just 21.
JONJOE KENNY
Has had a steady start to life at Celtic since arriving on-loan from Everton. Looks a talent when on the front foot and also assured defensively. Consistency will be key for the start of Kennedy’s tenure so don’t expect too many changes at the back.
SCOTT BROWN
The skipper will be in from the start and his manager will be hoping for a trademark performance. Brown will play a vitally important role from now until the end of the season and will act as a key communicator between the players and management team.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Has missed very few games this season and despite not hitting his usual heights McGregor is extremely reliable. His energy and enthusiasm in the middle of the park will be needed in the coming weeks and Kennedy will hope the Scotland international can inspire his team moving forward.
MOHAMED ELYOUNOUSSI
Has been utilised up top for most of the season but will likely play the number ten role if Kennedy opts for two strikers. Has proved he can be a threat for the Hoops but has been quiet on the goals and assists front of late.
DAVID TURNBULL
It will be interesting to see if Turnbull is utilised to greater effect by Kennedy than Neil Lennon. The ex-Motherwell midfielder has been wasted out wide on numerous occasions this season when his best role is bang in the centre of the park.
ODSONNE EDOUARD
The Frenchman has been a standout in recent weeks despite the Hoops not being up to their expected high standards. Edouard won’t be dropped, and Kennedy will be hoping that he can continue his impressive run of form.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
The Scotland international was majorly out of favour under Neil Lennon. Despite scoring crucial goals at crucial times, the former Hibs man failed to retain his spot as a regular under the former Celtic boss. It is likely Kennedy will offer Griffiths a fresh start, so expect him to lead the line up alongside Edouard.
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