The manager rang the changes against Lille in the final Europa League group stage match earlier this month, and the likes of David Turnbull, Conor Hazard and Ismaila Soro gave the boss food for thought, as did Kristoffer Ajer’s move to the right-side of defence.
Indeed, the incoming trio and the defender retained their places and helped the Hoops to a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock last weekend – but what will the manager do for Sunday’s Hampden showpiece? Will he return to the tried and trusted figures like Scott Brown and Ryan Christie with a quadruple treble on the line? Or stick with the new and improved line-up?
The Scotsman’s Celtic writer Andrew Smith ran the rule over the squad, and named the Celtic XI he expects Neil Lennon to field for the all-important and historic match.
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9. RW - Ryan Christie
Likely to get the nod over Jeremie Frimpong in the wide-right role for the thrust and industry he can provide - in addition to an ability to conjure up crucial goals on significant occasions. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
10. CAM - David Turnbull
The 21-year-old’s elevation to starter has proved transformative for Celtic in the final third, as has his deadball delivery, and he seems a player on a mission to make things happen. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
11. ST - Odsonne Edouard
The Frenchman has endured a frustratingly in-and-out campaign but could be inspired by the fact it was his double that put Hearts to the sword in the previous - 2019 - Scottish Cup final. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
12. Will Neil Lennon be celebrating tomorrow evening?
Andrew Smith's predicted Celtic line-up: Hazard, Ajer, Duffy, Jullien, Laxalt, Brown, McGregor, Christie, Turnbull, Elyounoussi, Edouard. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group