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Tinkerman Lennon faces defensive conundrum ahead of Livi trip – opinion

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Neil Lennon has an almost fully fit squad for the trip to Livingston on Wednesday as the Hoops look to take another step closer to securing the Scottish Premiership trophy and 9-in-a-row.

Despite Kristoffer Ajer struggling to make the game with a thigh injury, Lennon admits that Jozo Simunovic might still not be recalled to the starting XI having not even been in the squad for the Scottish Cup tie against St Johnstone at the weekend.

Simunovic has a history of knee problems and the artificial turf at the Toni Macaroni Arena is not exactly the most forgiving of surfaces for troublesome joints.

Hatem Abd Elhamed was in the squad on Sunday but it may be too soon following injury to thrown him in from the start which could see the Parkhead gaffer revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation rather than putting square pegs into round defensive holes with Nir Bitton more than capable of filling in alongside Christopher Jullien.

Greg Taylor and Jeremie Frimpong would be expected to take up the full-back slots in a back four although the latter could drop out for James Forrest should Ajer pass a fitness test.

What shape should Lennon go for if Ajer isn't available?

3-5-2

3-5-2

4-2-3-1

4-2-3-1

Midfield – forward almost picks itself depending on the shape with Olivier Ntcham still not 100% following a calf injury, Ryan Christie will look to continue in his role behind Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard, if Lennon goes with just the one forward, the Scotland international would still be the most likely to fill the central attacking midfield position with Scott Brown and Callum McGregor at the base.

The defensive injury issues will have a knock on effect throughout the rest of the team but the main thing is, due to Lennon’s proactivity, the Hoops have flexibility with their tactics that leaves opponents guessing right up until the team is announced giving them yet another advantage as they continue to dominate domestic football.

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