After a sensational win in the Old Firm derby, Celtic will resume their season by hosting Hearts on Saturday afternoon. They have yet to drop a point or concede a goal in the Premiership, and the gaffer Brendan Rodgers must demand another flawless display from his juggernaut upon their return to action after the international break.
Meanwhile, the Jambos have failed to win a game so far this campaign. Minnows Falkirk have knocked them out of the Scottish League Cup second round, while defeats against Viktoria Plzeň in both legs of the playoffs have shattered their Europa League hopes. They are desperate to bounce back from the disastrous start; however, it would take a colossal effort to cause an upset and secure a result at Parkhead given the Hoops’ scintillating run.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hearts
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel is enjoying a perfect start to life in Glasgow since replacing Joe Hart as the Celts’ ‘number 1’. With the Edinburgh side struggling to find the net, the veteran Dane must aim for another clean sheet over the weekend.
Alistair Johnston sustained an injury during Canada’s victory against the United States. Anthony Ralston would replace him as a right fullback if Les Rouges’ star fails to recover before the upcoming clash. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales remain irreplaceable in deep defence despite the presence of Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and the deadline day recruit Auston Trusty. Greg Taylor should retain his first-team role ahead of the Barcelona loanee Álex Valle.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor is red-hot form with successive long-range stunners in the previous outings. He must orchestrate the tempo from the base of a three-man midfield as his composure and experience would allow space and freedom for the ‘number 8s’. Signings of Arne Engels and Luke McCowan have bolstered the Bhoys following the egress of Matt O’Riley and Tomoki Iwata.
Yet the gaffer might still rely on Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate for box-to-box slots. Besides Engels and McCowan, young midfield prodigy Odin Thiago Holm could grab some minutes as a second-half substitute.
Attack
Celtic are well-equipped across the frontline, particularly after a permanent swoop for Adam Idah. But the former Norwich City attacker is expected to feature as the understudy to Kyogo Furuhashi high up the pitch. Daizen Maeda should operate from the left after a blistering performance against Rangers, and so is Nicolas Kuhn who has cemented a regular status down the right-hand flank.
Luis Palma, Yang Hyun-jun and James Forrest could appear from the bench to add more flair as wide attacking options.
