Predicted Celtic line-ups: Injury carnage means major changes tipped

That throws up a couple of interesting selection dilemmas - but also makes things easier in a way.

If Jota, Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh all miss out, who will come in and what positions might be affected?

Our writers make their predictions...

Alison McConnell 

The last thing Ange Postecoglou needed on Thursday night was another quota of injury issues ahead of a Premiership trip to Dundee United.

Such has been the personnel options for the Greek-Australian to deal with that he has never really had a full quota of players available since his arrival at the club in June.

Jota and Anthony Ralston are significant losses given the manner in which they have contributed in the opening half of the season. The on-loan Benfica winger has been exceptional since his arrival with his ability to chip in with both goals and assists key to Celtic's forward momentum.

READ MORE: It's another Celtic injury crisis but fans must keep the faith - Amy Canavan

Ralston's renaissance has been such that Celtic will be weaker without him.
It may mean that James Forrest starts on the opposite side with Liel Abada coming back into the starting line-up with Kyogo playing through the middle.

Tom Rogic picked up where he left off as he came back into the starting XI following the injury he picked up at Easter Road back in October. The Australian midfielder's vision and creativity could be vital at Tannadice as Celtic look to unlock Dundee United's defence. 

It remains to be seen if Cameron Carter-Vickers is available after a private issue but Postecoglou could do with the central defender being back in the mix. 

Alison's team: Hart; Juranovic, Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Montgomery; McGregor, Turnbull, Rogic; Forrest, Kyogo, Abada. 

Sean Martin

Another month, another injury worry for the manager but at least there are silver linings.

Ralston's knock gives Josip Juranovic a chance to play on his natural side and - presuming Boli Bolingoli does not return from the cold - an opportunity for Adam Montgomery or Liam Scales to clock up some game-time.

The return of Rogic was a boon against Hearts and, although he played an unexpected full 90, he'll be back in from the start against United.

Anthony Ralston went off injured against Hearts on THursday night

Who partners him could change, however, and it could be time for David Turnbull to take a turn on the bench with Nir Bitton's reinstatement allowing Callum McGregor to play further forward against a resolute United side.

Carl Starfelt was imperious on his comeback but could already see his central-defensive partner change in game two if Stephen Welsh isn't fit and Carter-Vickers becomes available again.

Jota's hamstring injury is costly and strikes the Portuguese winger down in the midst of a fantastic run of form. In his place, I would expect Forrest to switch to the left - where he started the season - with Abada slotting in on the right rather than Mikey Johnston as a straight swap.

Sean's team: Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Montgomery; Bitton, McGregor, Rogic; Abada, Kyogo, Forrest.

Tony Haggerty

Injuries to key personnel could see Postecoglou going into another crucial league encounter against Dundee United at Tannadice without the services of Ralston, Welsh and Jota.

Assuming all three miss out then I fully expect Montgomery to start at left-back with Juranovic being deployed in his accustomed right-back berth.

In central defence, USA international Carter-Vickers will replace Welsh at the back of the pack and line-up alongside Starfelt.

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou and Celtic cope with the Paradise pressure cooker but vital victory comes at a cost - Tony Haggerty

In attack, Celtic could be without Jota due to a hamstring problem and that is a massive setback to the Aussie's plans.

I feel Abada will get the chance to regain some badly dented confidence and both the Israeli and Forrest will occupy the wide roles with Kyogo doing his thing through the middle looking to see if he can add to his staggering 14 goals in 22 appearances for Celtic. 

Tony's team: Hart; Juranovic, Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Montgomery; Turnbull, McGregor, Rogic; Forrest, Kyogo, Abada.