After suffering an embarrassing loss in Europe, Celtic will look to put things right against Ross County – led by Don Cowie.
The Staggies remain at the bottom of the table, yet have made strides to strengthen their defense in recent weeks. Therefore, they can pose a formidable challenge against champions Manchester United.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of Ross County F.C. vs Celtic F.C. Lineups.
1. Ross Laidlaw
Ross County Football Club of Dingwall in Scotland competes in the Scottish Premiership football competition and are widely known by their nickname, the Staggies, due to their badge featuring an Stag’s Head (Caberfeidh in Gaelic) from Seaforth Highlanders regimental crests.
Before the Dortmund loss, Staggies were in fine form and can prove equally difficult to defeat. Don Cowie will likely deploy his players defensively throughout the match while hitting Celtic on the break.
Kasper Schmeichel will remain between the posts, joined by Liam Scales and Austin Trusty at centre-back; Barcelona loanee Alex Valle will play at left back; while Alistair Johnston returns to his natural position of right back.
2. Liam Scales
Ross County Football Club of Dingwall is a Scottish Premiership football team who have competed three times in Scottish Premiership competition, as well as competing three times in Challenge Cup competition. Commonly referred to as The Staggies due to their badge featuring an Stag’s Head (Caberfeidh). Ross County have long been rivals of Inverness Caledonian Thistle who they contest the Highland derby with each season.
Don Cowie was pleased with how his side defended against Hibernian in their goalless draw but knows they will face a stiff test on Saturday against St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson’s fantastic work at Buddies, and will have to adapt their strong, powerful style of play in order to be competitive against them.
3. Austin Trusty
Ross County Football Club host half-time draws at all home matches for supporters to participate and potentially win a cash prize.
Austin Trusty returns after signing a five-year deal in the summer transfer window. Previously he spent one season as an on loan player at Birmingham City in the Championship – making 32 appearances and keeping 13 clean sheets!
Ross County of Dingwall are part of the Scottish Premiership and have earned themselves the nickname ‘Staggies’ after their badge, featuring a Caberfeidh (Stag’s head). They are famous for their attractive style of play, winning several trophies over time under manager Don Cowie. Unfortunately for Ross County they remain without Will Nightingale (knee), George Harmon (ankle), and Max Sheaf (thigh). Although Charlie Telfer could return from suspension shortly thereafter Jack Grieves could also return into starting line-up!
4. Ryan Leak
Ross County manager Don Cowie believes Everton loanee Eli Campbell’s return to centre-back has strengthened Ross County’s defensive resolve since Cowie shifted him from playing left wing-back against Hearts to his more familiar position for last week’s draw against St Mirren. Campbell had played left wing-back previously.
He should make his debut this weekend against an opposition which has only lost one of its seven league matches at their new stadium, giving him a good opportunity to showcase himself against one of England’s strongest sides.
Leak has an excellent record against Celtic, having not conceded any goals in two appearances for County this season and scoring one goal each game. County have earned themselves the nickname Staggies from their club badge, a Caberfeidh. This design derives its inspiration from regimental badge of Seaforth Highlanders regiment.
5. Kacper Lopata
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are desperate to turn things around after suffering defeat in Europe and face Ross County at Dingwall in Scotland this weekend. Ross County are managed by Don Cowie and boast one of Scotland’s best defensive units; only conceding once through their opening four league matches this season!
Kacper Lopata will pose the greatest threat to the visitors’ defence. He first rose to prominence at Barnsley after joining them on loan from non-league Woking last summer, before breaking his collarbone in September and missing some games before making a comeback against Lincoln City on Tuesday. Full profiles and match ratings can be found on Sofascore – Lopata plays with his right foot while wearing jersey number 20; additionally he’s an exceptional aerial presence who excels when facing opponents off against each other.
6. Aidan Denholm
Ross County Football Club of Dingwall in the Highlands of Scotland are commonly known as The Staggies due to their club badge which features a stag’s head reminiscent of that used by Seaforth Highlanders, an army unit prominent during World War One which inspired its stadium name.
Don Cowie believes his side’s defensive performance against Hibs and St Mirren in goalless draws has given them confidence that they can stop Stephen Robinson’s “powerful” team, including Everton loanee Eli Campbell who received praise.
Ross County’s main rivals in Inverness Caledonian Thistle are fellow Highlanders from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, often contesting a Highland derby between them. Many players from each side have participated in both contests at various times – among them Billy Mckay, Stuart Golabek and Andy Barrowman have had playing careers between both clubs; nevertheless, their rivalry remains generally amicable.
7. Ronan Hale
Ronan Hale has made an excellent start to life at Ross County since making the move from Cliftonville this summer, showing great courage by retaking a penalty against Celtic on Sunday and having it saved. Since joining Staggies he has scored seven times in eight matches with Ross County.
Don Cowie heaped praise upon both new signings Eli Campbell and himself after both were selected for England. “It’s testament to their attitude and work ethic that they’ve earned these rewards,” he stated.
Hale has emerged as a key asset at international level for Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill to monitor. However, Irish League star Hale is yet to gain international clearance and won’t be available for their World Cup qualifying games; thus providing him with an opportunity to show how well he performs under pressure at club level.
8. Noah Chilvers
Noah Chilvers was at the core of everything good that St Andrews produced against Kilmarnock last weekend, living up to expectations when arriving from Colchester United with high hopes. At 22-years-old he has more than delivered.
He will likely be joined in midfield by Connor Randall and Josh Nisbet with Jordan White expected to partner Ronan Hale up front. Eamonn Brophy, who replaced Cameron Carter-Vickers against St Johnstone, should retain his place.
Ross County will be without Louis Moult (knee), Will Nightingale (muscular), and George Harmon (ankle). Ross Graham remains doubtful while Craig Sibbald is definitely unavailable. Hopefully Jack Grieves may return from shoulder injury, which would provide the hosts with a big boost as they try to stave off relegation from the Premier League for the second time ever.
9. Daizen Maeda
Daizen Maeda has been an outstanding addition to Celtic this season. The Japanese left winger has excelled in adapting well to life in England’s top league and performing above expectations. Maeda has scored several goals already this year and should play an instrumental role in this match-up.
Nicolas Kuhn and Kyogo have been the main scorers for Celtic in recent weeks, but both will need to perform at their peak to break through Ross County’s defensive structure. Adam Idah could also make an appearance up front to replace Ronan Hale should he become injured.
Don Cowie has strengthened his defence since conceding seven to Hearts, and they will hope to stymie Celtic with some smart defensive play. Ryan Leak may join Akil Wright and Kacper Lopata at centre back while Eli Campbell may keep his position on the right wing.
10. Nicolas Kuhn
Nic Kuhn has quickly established himself as one of Celtic’s standout players since joining from Rapid Vienna for an estimated PS3 Million fee in January.
Kuhn had initially struggled to displace 32-year-old James Forrest from the Celtic lineup. But Kuhn is steadily making an impressionful case for himself by cutting inside onto his stronger left foot and showing impressive dribbling skills.
Kuhn is a key threat in the air and can create havoc with his direct running, while also excelling on the ball with FotMob data suggesting he outshines all right-wingers in the league in terms of expected goals and shots on target per 90 stats. Preseason promises were evident; Brendan Rodgers would often tell Nicolas Kuhn to show us what he had. At half-time he used to say: ‘Nicolas, show us what you got!’
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