It was a stroll in the park for Celtic when they travelled to North Lanarkshire to clash heads with Motherwell on Sunday afternoon. They remain firm favourites to defend the Premiership crown, but, at the same time, must maintain their winning streak against Dundee FC amid pressure from Aberdeen in the title hunt.
The Hoops will host the Dee on Wednesday night, and a win at Parkhead could earn them a clear lead over Aberdeen at the top of the league standings. But they would require a favour from bitter rivals Rangers as the Light Blues set to lock horns with the Dons at Pittodrie around the same time.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel grabbed back-to-back clean sheets since conceding twice against Aberdeen over a week ago. The veteran Dane should secure another comfortable clean sheet before facing the Dons in the League Cup semi-final.
In-form Alistair Johnston is expected to keep his place down the right having found the net at Fir Park a couple of days back. Back from his injury, Cameron Carter-Vickers could return to the starting XI replacing fellow countryman Auston Trusty. Liam Scales must continue as the left-sided centre-half, and so is Alex Valle who has impressed as a left fullback amid Greg Taylor’s injury absence. Taylor was an unused substitute against the Steelmen but should grab some minutes this midweek before the weekend’s encounter.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor missed the Motherwell tie with an abductor injury, but he is in contention to make it to the matchday squad against the Dark Blues. Paulo Bernardo should continue as a makeshift ‘number six’ even though the Scotsman is available for selection. It is more important to have him back in full capacity for the Aberdeen fixture.
Despite finding the net over the weekend, ex-Dundee star Luke McCowan might make way for Arne Engels. Reo Hatate must operate box-to-box and exhibit his creative spark in and around the attacking third. McCowan could be introduced as a substitute against his former employers.
Attack
A nasty challenge suffered in the closing minutes could rule Adam Idah out for a while. Kyogo Furuhashi should spearhead the attack, also, his compatriot Daizen Maeda must retain his place down the left-hand flank. After an impressive cameo against Stuart Kettlewell’s men, wide-attacking ace Nicolas Kuhn might replace James Forrest for the Dundee game. Luis Palma and Yang Hyun-Jun would wait for opportunities given their limited involvement so far this season.
