An incredible double over Ferencvárosi has brought Celtic back in contention for a place in the Europa League knockouts. But they have little time to recover as they are set to travel to Dens Park to lock horns with Dundee in a crucial Premiership encounter. The Hoops clinched an incredible 6-0 win at Celtic Park in the reverse tie and the Dark Blues might undergo another humiliation having suffered a dreadful 5-0 defeat to bottom-placed Ross County in their previous home fixture.
Having said that, the Dee must grab motivation from a 2-1 home win versus Aberdeen three weeks back. A deep defensive strategy might salvage something from the game, similar to Livingston’s approach against the Celts last weekend.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee
Defence
Joe Hart conceded twice on Thursday night against the Hungarian opponent, but his clean-sheet record in the league should remain intact unless the hosts deliver a spirited display on Sunday lunchtime. The veteran Englishman is enjoying his minutes again after a difficult few years back in the homeland.
Anthony Ralston has grabbed his opportunities as the right fullback and must retain his place after signing a new four-year deal a couple of days ago. Carl Starfelt, sidelined with a hamstring strain, won’t return before the international break and a steady show from Stephen Welsh should see him partnering with Cameron Carter-Vickers at the heart of the backline. Greg Taylor has not recovered yet from a shoulder injury and the gaffer should continue with Josip Juranovic as a makeshift left fullback ahead of Liam Scales, Adam Montgomery and Boli Bolingoli.
Meanwhile, Welsh endured a slight knock against Ferencvárosi and might get replaced by Scales in central defence unless he recovers in time for this weekend tie.
Midfield
Nir Bitton featured as a midfield anchor amid the injury absence of Tom Rogic. But he himself is injured now which should see James McCarthy reclaiming a starting role in the middle of the park. Skipper Callum McGregor would exhibit his work ethic and commitment as a ‘number 8’, whereas David Turnbull must keep on operating in a box-to-box role and trouble the opponents with his late runs, link-up play and creative spark.
Attack
Liel Abada is back among goals as his strike around the hour-mark turned out to be the decider this midweek. The young Israel international must occupy the right-wing slot allowing Filipe Jota to showcase his mastery from the left. The Portuguese has been in majestic form, so is Kyogo Furuhashi as a ‘number 9’ who fired in a hat-trick against Dundee back in August. Mikey Johnston, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Albian Ajeti would keep on covering the trio high up the pitch.
