After an international break that provided more questions than answers regarding Steve Clarke’s future as National Team Manager, the domestic action is set to return. Storylines throughout the country are heating up nicely, with just three games remaining before the split. The top-bill fixture on matchday 31 is Celtic’s welcoming of an in-form Hearts side. With four wins in their last five, they will be looking to solidify a place in the top half. How will the Champions counter the hungry Jambos? We answer just that on Last Word on Football, with our Celtic Predicted Lineup.
Celtic Predicted Lineup
How Celtic Have Lined Up Recently
Rangers ended their five year wait for a win at Celtic Park with a chaotic 3-2 victory. A spirited comeback from the hosts was cancelled out by a Hamza Igamane wonder strike.
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That day, Kasper Schmeichel started between the sticks.
Alistair Johnson played at right back, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki starting together for the first time since last April. Beside them, Crystal Palace loanee Jeffrey Schlupp took to the field.
Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Reo Hatate formed a midfield three, while Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda and Jota completed the forward line.
Unfortunately, the post-match headlines were dominated by Václav Černý’s decision to celebrate the moment by squirting water in the face of an innocent fan. Brendan Rodgers lamented the incident,
“It’s a lack of respect if a player runs up the touchline and squirts a water bottle in a supporter’s face , I certainly wouldn’t want my players to do that.”
Celtic’s Recent Form and Tactics
There was a lot to unpack after the derby defeat.
Most importantly, the game was there to be won. Despite losing three goals on their own turf, the Rodgers’ men had the lion’s share of the game. Admittedly, they started poorly and were punished by a miracle header from Nico Raskin. Yet, apart from a few moments, it was Celtic who held the momentum. Between minutes 37 and 72, the visitors never never registered a single shot on goal.
While there was the context of Rangers holding onto their lead, ultimately wasted efforts in front of goal was what cost the Bhoys. Nothing else.
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A further talking point was the absence of captain Callum McGregor. In midfield, they seemed disjointed. McCowan and Engels failed to provide value in possession in the build up stages. There wasn’t the typical midfield to attack connection on display that is usually associated with this Celtic side. Yet, the 31 year old started in the 3-0 loss at Ibrox, plus the Premier Sports Cup Final, where an off-colour Celtic needed penalties to succeed. Therefore, the argument doesn’t stand.
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The bigger picture remains. At this stage of the season, a treble looks likely. 13 points split the Hoops from the rest. Moreover, their results on the continental level have improved dramatically.
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The good news is that Paulo Bernardo, James Forrest, Auston Trusty and McGregor all return to action.
Unfortunately, Schmeichel suffered a shoulder injury on international duty with Denmark. The duration of the injury remains unknown.
Liam Scales will miss out again.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Hearts
Viljami Sinsalo
Alistair Johnson
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Auston Trusty
Jeffrey Schlupp
Callum McGregor
Arne Engels
Reo Hatate
Nicolas Kuhn
Daizen Maeda
Jota
