A win against Raith Rovers on Thursday night must have uplifted the spirit in Celtic camp ahead of hosting Dundee United on Sunday afternoon. They suffered back to back defeats prior to the midweek tie and the gaffer Ange Postecoglou must aim for some momentum now to close the gap with Rangers at the top of the table.
The Tangerines have been impressive so far in early weeks including a headstrong 1-0 victory against the reigning Premiership champions. They are ahead of the Bhoys in the league standings and have shown enough traits to stun them similar to their Glasgow rivals. The Parkhead crowd must prepare themselves for another enticing encounter.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United
Defence
Joe Hart has grabbed a key status in less than two months by securing the ‘number 1’ role ahead of Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas. The former Man City legend would not only keep his place between the sticks but also retain the captain’s armband with skipper Callum McGregor yet to return to action.
Postecoglou should opt for Josip Juranovic as the right fullback ahead of Anthony Ralston. Greg Taylor’s injury is a significant blow, however, an exquisite display against Raith Rovers must have cemented Adam Montgomery’s place down the left even though Boli Bolingoli has been brought back from his exile. Despite having the likes of Liam Scales and Stephen Welsh in the ranks, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have been identified as the prime central defensive pairing following Kristoffer Ajer’s exit and Christopher Jullien’s long-term injury absence.
Midfield
With McGregor eyeing a return for midweek’s Bayer Leverkusen fixture, the manager must select either Ismaila Soro or James McCarthy as the deep-lying playmaker. The latter is expected to start though considering his influence versus the Rovers, whereas Tom Rogic and David Turnbull must continue to impress as part of the Hoops’ ‘midfield three’. As the fullbacks offer width in Postecoglou’s system, the duo would narrow the space in the middle of the park.
Attack
Celtic do not have plenty of options high up the pitch due to injury concerns. Kyogo Furuhashi and James Forrest are ruled out with their respective fitness woes, while new signing Giorgos Giakoumakis is now added to the growing list of injuries after picking up a calf strain prior to the Rovers game. Having said that, Liel Abada and Filipe Jota have been majestic as wide attackers. Their pace, flair, cut insides and crosses should make it comfortable for Albian Ajeti as the outright ‘number 9’.
Hart
Juranovic Carter-Vickers Starfelt Montgomery
McCarthy Rogic Turnbull
Abada Ajeti Filipe Jota
