On Saturday evening, Scotland’s top two will face off in the Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final. Level on points at the top of the table, and three consecutive draws between the sides over ninety minutes, this is sure to be a thriller. Here at Last Word on football, we provide our Celtic predicted lineup.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Aberdeen
How Celtic have Lined up Recently
As predicted on Last Word on Football, Celtic’s mid-week victory over Dundee saw wholesale changes. With a hefty fixture schedule, and one eye on the trip to Hampden, it was an opportunity for some of the fringe players to shine.
Kasper Schmeichel unsurprisingly kept his place in goal, and was called upon early to make a major save from a dangerous set piece.
Read More: Scottish Football fan’s Poor Behaviour
Anthony Ralston was handed his first start of the league season, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor returned to the fold. The former had a respectable game at right back and was unlucky not to register an early assist with his cross through to Kyogo. Having said that, when Alistair Johnson came on as a replacement the step up in quality was apparent. Carter-Vickers had little to do all game, while Taylor frustrated at times, showing evident signs of rust.
In midfield, Paulo Bernardo kept his place at the base of the three. The Portuguese was tidy in possession and strong in his counter-pressing in an overall solid performance. Luke McCowan and Arne Engels played in front, with both struggling to influence in the final third. They had moments of individual brilliance but rather unsurprisingly they weren’t on the same wavelength during their first start together, so the midfield unit was slightly disjointed.
Read More: The Lack of Scottish Youth Talent Analysed
Yang and Palma were handed starts and had polar-opposite performances. Palma was heavily involved throughout, and had moments of brilliance on the ball, such as a defence splitting pass to Engels, plus a solid effort at goal at the start of the second period. However, at times he frustrated, slowing down the play out wide, showing the limitations he brings to the overall team performance. On the other hand, Yang was barely involved in the opening half. He found himself on the touchline from time to time but was unable to create anything from the limited opportunities he had. The South-Korean impressed with his assist to Johnson though.
Kyogo up front had a wasteful night. The Japanese international should have scored twice early on, and will be looking to make amends this weekend against a side he has already scored six goals against.
Celtic Recent Form and Tactics
Two home victories have got Celtic to Hampden.
Firstly, they defeated David Gray’s Hibernian by three goals to one. A double for Daizen Maeda who filled in up top, plus a rather fortunate goal for Kuhn meant that the champions sailed through to meet Falkirk.
Read More: How the Reserves Performed in Sligo For Celtic
At home to Falkirk, Celtic trailed by two goals to one at half time. There was an element of shock amongst the home fans, who had just witnessed their side destroy Slovan Bratislava by five goals to one. Super-sub Kuhn would save the day. The German registered two assists and two goals to send the Championship side packing their bags empty-handed.
This weekend is the first of two colossal ties for Celtic. We may see tactical tweaks against high-flying Leipzig next week, however you’d expect a typical all-guns blazing approach on Saturday.
Injuries to Consider
The Northern Irish manager has the luxury of a fully fit squad.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs Aberdeen
Schmeichel will keep his place in goal. Johnson will play at right back, but the rest becomes trickier to predict. In a bid to keep Carter-Vickers fit for Tuesday, Celtic will wrap him up in cotton wool on the bench. Therefore, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales will form a partnership. At left-back, Valle will return to the team. The Spaniard was in excellent form before Wednesday night and merits a place in the side.
Read More: Celtic’s Summer Recruitment Analysed
McGregor will be given game time in the second half, so Bernardo will continue to fill in as the number six. Engels and Reo Hatate will play in front of him, with McCowan relegated to the bench.
Up front, Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda will return to the team with Kyogo through the middle.
(4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel
Alistair Johnson
Auston Trusty
Liam Scales
Alex Valle
Paulo Bernardo
Arne Engels
Reo Hatate
Nicolas Kuhn
Kyogo
Daizen Maeda
