Fresh off a heroic draw against Gasperini’s Atalanta, Celtic return to domestic action with a trip to Firhill. They face Stuart Kettlewell’s side who sit comfortably mid-table, winning three of their last four games in all competitions. At Last Word on Football, we provide our Celtic predicted lineup for this interesting tie.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Motherwell
How Celtic have Lined Up Recently
Kasper Schmeichel has started every game in goal for the Champions. He shone in midweek, making six saves in what could prove such a crucial point for Celtic’s qualification prospects.
Alistair Johnson, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Alex Valle completed the back four which earned a clean sheet in Italy. As manager Brendan Rodgers said, “The concentration in the game was superb.” While Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor will soon return, there is competition for places after Celtic’s best defensive away performance on the continental stage in recent memory.
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In midfield, Arne Engels silenced an in-from Ademola Lookman. Reo Hatate excelled from a link-up point of view. Callum McGregor sat deep with his Belgian counterpart.
Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda started wide, which was little surprise as their deadly pace got the hoops into promising positions on the counterattack. Adam Idah led the line, with his strength and physicality able to bring other players into the game.
Celtic’s Recent Form and Tactics
It’s back-to-back draws for the Scottish Champions. Last week they surrendered a two-goal lead at home to Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen meaning they still sit top thanks to goal difference. Third-placed Rangers failed to capitalise and saw themselves fall to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
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After a humiliating hammering at the hands of Dortmund, the trip to Atalanta was crucial. The men in green and white had to adapt their approach – so they could compete at the elite level. The physical presence of Idah up front meant that when under pressure, Rodgers’ men could choose to play long.
This weekend, it’s a completely different game. Fir Park was a tough ground to go to last season – with both wins courtesy of stoppage-time winners. You would expect a more simple afternoon this time around.
Celtic Injuries to Consider
Taylor will likely miss out, but Carter-Vickers could be back in the squad. Johnson struggled midweek towards the end of the 90 minutes with cramping issues.
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Celtic Predicted Lineup
There seems little reason to rotate strongly. Sure, there is a hectic fixture schedule coming up, but changes will likely be made midweek at home to Dundee ahead of the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen plus the hosting of RB Leipzig.
Therefore, the back five which failed to put a foot wrong will remain intact. Engels will be given a rest in the midfield three with Paulo Bernardo getting a start. Idah will stay up front, with the Irishman scoring two colossal goals at this ground last season.
(4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel
Alistair Johnson
Auston Trusty
Liam Scales
Alex Valle
Callum McGregor
Paulo Bernardo
Reo Hatate
Nicolas Kuhn
Adam Idah
Daizen Maeda
