Edouard not starting for Celtic as 20y/o set to make just 2nd start – according to leaked XI
The Daily Record has reported on a leaked Celtic starting XI that’s been circulating online ahead of the game against Rangers this lunchtime.
It shows that Odsonne Edouard isn’t starting, with the striker only just returning to the club on Friday following his positive test for Coronavirus.
There’s no word on the subs bench so it’s possible he could still feature.
The big surprise is 20-year-old academy player Stephen Welsh, who could be set for just his second start for Celtic this afternoon.
This is the side that has been leaked online – we’ll get confirmation whether this is accurate ahead of the 12.30pm kick-off.
If this starting XI is accurate then Alfredo Morelos will be licking his lips at the prospect of getting into the Celtic backline and bagging his first goal.
Shane Duffy and Kristoffer Ajer line up alongside Welsh, with Jeremie Frimpong and Diego Laxalt as wing-backs.
It appears Edouard isn’t fit enough to start and that’s no big surprise after he was described as “tired and isolated” by Neil Lennon.
Albian Ajeti is alongside Patryk Klimala in one leaked line-up, with Moi Elyounoussi in another. It means no place in the starting XI for Leigh Griffiths who should be on the bench.
It’s certainly not the strongest Celtic side and odds on a home win have been drifting with the bookies in the last 24 hours.
Rangers are now tagged as the favourites, although it’s still very close with the Gers priced at 2.5 and Celtic at 2.75.
Former Gers manager Alex McLeish told Ibrox News exclusively that the thinks the game will end 1-0 to Rangers – we’ll take that and the first back-to-back Old Firm wins in over 10 years.
In other Rangers news, ‘Really big boost’ – Exclusive: McLeish reacts to early Rangers team news v Celtic