After another successful ‘double’-winning domestic campaign, the Scottish champions Celtic will kick off their title defence in a home tie against Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon. Killie had an exquisite 2023-24 season under Derek McInnes as they not only clinched a fourth-placed finish upon their top-flight return but also knocked the Hoops out of the League Cup.
While the previous Parkhead clash finished 1-1 thanks to an injury-time equalizer from David Watson, the Bhoys grabbed a 5-0 triumph in last season’s penultimate Premiership fixture at Rugby Park. They remain firm favourites to claim a victory, particularly after a scintillating pre-season where they defeated the Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester City.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Kilmarnock
Defence
Joe Hart’s retirement left a void in the Celtic goal. But they reacted quickly to rope in a like-for-like replacement earlier this window. Veteran Kasper Schmeichel joined the Hoops on a Bosman and is expected to secure the starting status ahead of Scott Bain and the other summer recruit Viljami Sinisalo.
Despite being the understudy to Alistair Johnston, Anthony Ralston is set to feature as the right fullback due to the Canadian’s absence from the pre-season tour post-Copa America engagement with Canada. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales remain irreplaceable for their chemistry and composure in the heart of the backline, also, Greg Taylor should keep his place on the left even though the Celts have been in the hunt for a new name amid interest in Liverpool left-back Owen Beck. An injury to Maik Nawrocki would see Stephen Welsh and Gustaf Lagerbielke as the central defensive covers.
Midfield
Celtic are sweating over the future of Matt O’Riley who has emerged as a key transfer target for a host of European hotshots. They have tied down Paulo Bernardo from Benfica on permanent terms following last season’s loan, but the gaffer should deploy the Danish ace until a deal is struck with fellow suitors. Reo Hatate must retain his ‘number 8’ status, also, the deep-lying midfield role is owned by the skipper Callum McGregor. He would drive the show from the base of a three-man midfield, whereas the likes of Tomoki Iwata, Odin Thiago Holm, as well as Bernardo, could be involved as second-half substitutes.
Attack
Although the Bhoys have Nicolas Kuhn back available for selection after missing the Chelsea clash with a back injury, Daizen Maeda is potentially ruled out with a knee bruise sustained against the Blues. Luis Palma might get the nod down the left-hand flank ahead of Mikey Johnston or James Forrest. But the ‘number 9’ spot belongs to Kyogo Furuhashi amid uncertainties over Adam Idah’s return.
