Celtic are flying high after a nervy start and have progressed to the Europa League playoffs defeating Czech minnows FK Jablonec in the third qualifying round. A 6-0 win over Dundee in the Premiership has uplifted the spirit within the camp and the rejuvenated Bhoys are desperate for revenge on Sunday afternoon following the opening gameweek defeat against Hearts.
The Jambos stunned Ange Postecoglou’s men at Tynecastle to make their presence known in the Premiership. However, the newly-promoted side would find it tricky at the Paradise in front of Celtic faithful and the Glasgow giants would be determined to clinch a win in the Scottish League Cup second round.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hearts
Defence
The gaffer should stick to Joe Hart between the sticks as his arrival from Spurs has jeopardized the future of Vasilis Barkas. Scott Bain should continue as the understudy to the veteran Englishman.
Anthony Ralston remains the only right fullback option and should continue to impress as he has done so far in these early weeks. Stephen Welsh has restored stability in deep defence and must partner with Carl Starfelt ahead of Nir Bitton. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo was a part of the matchday squad on Thursday night but is unlikely to get the nod over Greg Taylor down the left-hand side.
Midfield
Postecoglou started with Ismaila Soro in the middle of the park alongside skipper Callum Mcgregor. However, the Ivorian lost his place to Tom Rogic and the manager must not alter the winning combination, particularly against the Edinburgh outfit. McGregor should occupy the holding role allowing Rogic to operate as a box-to-box midfielder and form attacking transition with his down the middle runs.
Liel Abada missed the midweek game with a minor strain and should not be risked over the weekend considering the fixture congestion prior to the international break. But they have ample attacking options in their ranks with Scottish duo James Forrest and Ryan Christie tipped to occupy the wider roles similar to the Jablonec tie. David Turnbull is back with a brace (against Jablonec) after a slow start and is expected to be lined up as a ‘number 10’ alongside his fellow countrymen.
Attack
The Hoops have a gem in Kyogo Furuhashi who scored a hat-trick on his Parkhead debut. The Japanese international is prolific as a talisman and the crowd would love to see him spearheading the attack ahead of wantaway Odsonne Edouard.
Meanwhile, the flexibility in the middle of the park might see the Bhoys forming a 4-3-3 with Turnbull and Rogic featuring as wide midfielders.
