It’s the start of a busy period for Celtic, as they play their first of three matches in seven days. It starts with the welcoming of Dundee, before a cup semi-final against only-behind on goal difference Aberdeen, then a home tie against high-flying Red Bull Leipzig in the Champions League. Up against the Dens, they will be looking to continue with their winning ways and do so in style. Here on Last Word on Football, we provide our Celtic predicted lineup for matchday ten.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Dundee in SPL
How Celtic Have Lined up Recently
Kasper Schmeichel has played every competitive minute for the Champions this season. At the age of 37 he continues to excel and has proved an upgrade on Joe Hart.
Alistair Johnson, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Alex Valle have formed the recent defence for Celtic. No doubt that will be challenged with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor returning from injuries. However, the makeshift backline has proved worth its salt and it leaves Brendan Rodgers with a real selection dilemma.
Read More: The Development of Young Scottish Talent is Stagnating
With Callum McGregor injured during the Hoops’ away win at Motherwell, Rodgers chose to play with Paulo Bernardo as a number six. The Portuguese midfielder had some nervy moments at the start but eased in over the course of the game and showed great adaptability. Luke McCowan continued to prove an attacking bright spark, with Reo Hatate beside him productively instrumental as always.
James Forrest and Daizen Maeda started up front away to the Well, however, both had rather ineffective games. Kyogo started as number nine and had some bright sparks but was unable to net a goal.
Celtic’s Recent Form and Tactics
The Champions sit top of the table on goal difference, after a near perfect start. Nine games have saw eight wins, one draw, and a healthy goal difference of twenty four.
Read More: Football’s Fixture Volume Issue
Their most recent win was particularly fascinating though. McGregor, the ever-influential captain, had to sit on the sidelines due to an abductor injury. The midfield dynamic was always going to intrigue. After a slow start which saw the hosts hit the woodwork on two occasions, the midfield grew into the game with Hatate and McCowan enjoying terrific games.
Although, out wide the 3-5-2 system of Motherwell stifled Forrest and Maeda of space, and they often turned inside in a bid to produce.
Against Dundee at home, it will be a different style of game, with Tony Docherty a more attacking coach. We saw what happened last year when his side rocked up to Parkhead, let’s just say it got rather ugly with six goals conceded at half time.
Injuries to Consider
In the press conference today, Rodgers held his cards close to his chest.
Read More: Celtic fringe players analysed in Sligo Rovers Friendly Victory
McGregor is a doubt due to an ab injury. Idah will also be touch and go after suffering a horrendous challenge at the weekend from Liam Gordon which left him in a boot. Although, apart from that it’s a clean bill of health.
Celtic Predicted Lineup
In defence, Carter-Vickers will likely be eased back in with a start. In a way, it’s harsh to Trusty who will make way, but his American counterpart’s influence cannot be understated. Taylor will also see a return to the team, but not from the start, Valle is the in-form left back and it’s currently his shirt to lose. Expect to see Johnson given a rest for Saturday, with Anthony Ralston earning his first league start this season.
Read More: Football’s Transfer System could be set to Change
In midfield it’s so tough to call. Bernardo will take McGregor’s place once more. Logically, Engels may be the best option there since it was his favoured position for Augsburg, however Rodgers spoke about trying to develop him into a more attacking player, meaning such a change is unlikely. Goal-scorer McCowan will keep his place, with Engels switching in for Hatate this time out.
Kyogo will start as the striker as the only guaranteed fit option. Kuhn will join him after being rested from the start at the weekend, meanwhile Luis Palma will get a chance to impress, with Daizen Maeda dropped to the bench after a underwhelming performance at Fir Park.
(4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel
Anthony Ralston
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Liam Scales
Alex Valle
Paulo Bernardo
Luke McCowan
Arne Engels
Nicolas Kuhn
Kyogo
Luis Palma
