Despite leading the Premiership standings with a superior goal difference over Aberdeen, Celtic have been struggling of late, particularly after a dreadful 7-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, another tricky test awaits the Bhoys on Wednesday night as they set to clash heads with the reigning Europa League winners Atalanta at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
A second-half comeback at Celtic Park not only earned the Dons a 2-2 draw but also exposed the Hoops’ defensive frailty last weekend. La Dea settled for a stalemate with Arsenal before clinching a 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, and the Celts, therefore, need to step up their show to avoid humiliation against Gian Piero Gasperini’s men.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Atalanta
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel is having a rough run for both the club and the country. But the veteran Dane has delivered on big occasions over the years as he must be prepared for a busy night shaking off the shambles of the Aberdeen tie.
Celtic have struggled without Cameron Carter-Vickers in the heart of the backline and the gaffer Brendan Rodgers is yet to know whether the USMNT centre-half would be declared fit for the upcoming fixture. His fellow countryman Auston Trusty should keep his place alongside Liam Scales unless Carter-Vickers is available for selection. Greg Taylor remains sidelined with a calf strain and the young Barcelona loanee Alex Valle should continue as the left fullback in the wake of the Scotsman’s injury absence. Alistair Johnston is expected to retain his starting status on the right ahead of Anthony Ralston.
Midfield
Celtic have brought in Arne Engels following Matt O’Riley’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion late in the summer window. The Belgian has settled in well as a ‘number 8’ and must partner with Reo Hatate in the centre of the pitch. Skipper Callum McGregor must marshall the ‘back four’ as well as convert defence into attack while operating from the base of their three-man midfield. Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan could be involved at some stage as second-half substitutes.
Attack
The Hoops have a stable frontline with ample depth and quality. But the Northern Irish boss must rely on the preferred trio of Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi over Adam Idah, Luis Palma, Yang Hyun-Jun and James Forrest. Kuhn’s technicality and directness, Maeda’s high work ethic and Furuhashi’s poaching traits offer versatility and variation across the frontline.
