Celtic return to league action with a trip to Motherwell on Sunday afternoon. The Steelmen are managerless after Stuart Kettlewell shocked Scottish football with an abrupt resignation. Therefore, in steps Stephen Frail, who will look to manufacture a major upset at the weekend. The last time these two met in North Lanarkshire, Celtic were comfortable three-nil winners with goals from Luke McCowan, Alistair Johnson and Adam Idah. At Last Word on football, we estimate how things will shape up, providing our Celtic predicted Lineup.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Motherwell
How Celtic have Lined up Recently
Away to Villa, Celtic went with the strongest eleven available to them that day. Kasper Schmeichel – who made some top-class saves – started yet again. Alistair Johnson, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor formed a back four.
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In midfield, Callum McGregor played behind Arne Engels and Reo Hatate, who both shined throughout. Nicolas Kuhn and Yang took to the wings meanwhile Adam Idah led the line, bagging a brace in the process.
Celtic Recent Form and Tactics
Aston Villa away was always going to be a tough test. Unai Emery’s side have enjoyed wins away to Leipzig and home to Bayern Munich this campaign and were chasing an automatic qualification place by the time the Bhoys rocked up. Villa have pace, power and tactical flexibility as they demonstrated throughout this clash.
The atmosphere was intense and things got off to the worst possible start for Celtic. Within five minutes they found themselves trailing by two goals. There was an eerily similar feel to the horror night in Dortmund. The ease at which the English outfit was able to cut through the visitor’s loose defensive structure was alarming.
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Yet, instead of crumbling, they responded, with two quick-fire goals for themselves. It was a major night for Idah, who has come under a lot of criticism due to his poor performances throughout the season.
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Second-half errors from Scales and Dane Murray would make getting a result a step too far, but ultimately they left with their heads held high. Bayern Munich now await in the play-offs.
Injuries to Consider
James Forrest remains out, meanwhile Luis Palma will likely not be involved as a move away seems imminent. Carter-Vickers returns to the fold, plus Jota will be available for selection. With Kuhn rarely being rested, this is the perfect time to reintroduce the Portuguese fan favourite.
Celtic Predicted Lineup
- Kasper Schmeichel
- Alistair Johnson
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Auston Trusty
- Greg Taylor
- Callum McGregor
- Paulo Bernardo
- Luke McCowan
- Jota
- Adam Idah
- Daizen Maeda
