Celtic might have been dreadful in Europe, but they are marching towards a domestic treble under Ange Postecoglou. The Hoops conquered the League Cup defeating Hibernian in the Hampden final, also a three-point lead is maintained in the Premiership over bitter rivals Rangers. A win on Monday night against Dundee United at Tannadice Park would earn them a place in the Scottish Cup semifinal.
The Tangerines held Celtic to a 1-1 draw earlier this campaign but suffered successive defeats in the next two meetings. They have performed well against the big guns and the gaffer Tam Courts must motivate his men to script an upset in this quarter-final fixture.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United
Defence
Although it’s a Cup tie, Postecoglou is unlikely to rest his first-team stars and stick with Joe Hart between the sticks ahead of Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas. The veteran Englishman has restored stability in goal since his summer move from Tottenham Hotspur.
Anthony Ralston and Josip Juranovic have been rotated extensively down the right-hand side and the manager might opt for the latter due to his ability to maintain the balance between defence and attack. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have been the preferred central defensive pairing all season and despite the availability of Stephen Welsh and Christopher Jullien, the aforementioned duo should keep their place in the heart of the backline. Greg Taylor is expected to get the nod over Liam Scales down the left of Celtic’s ‘back four’.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor must feature from the base of a three-man midfield. The deep-lying playmaking role suits his game as he loves to drive the show with his vision, creativity and game-reading traits. Matt O’Riley has been a shrewd winter addition and the ex-MK Dons youngster might grab a start ahead of Tom Rogic in the middle of the park. Reo Hatate should operate in a box-to-box role exhibiting his high work ethic and link-up play as an outright ‘number 8’.
Attack
With Kyogo Furuhashi still sidelined with an injury, Postecoglou is likely to rely on Daizen Maeda high up the pitch. The Japanese international should spearhead the attack, whereas the swift footwork and flair of Filipe Jota down the left would keep the hosts on their toes in the defensive third. James Forrest was exquisite against Livingston in a tricky away trip and the experienced Scotsman must retain his right-wing role in place of Liel Abada on Monday night. Abada, as well as Giorgios Giakoumakis, might get introduced as the second-half substitutes.
