After years of disappointment in Europe, Celtic are finally showing some grit and determination in this new format of Champions League football. They must be in seventh heaven after an exquisite 3-1 victory against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night but, at the same time, should focus on their weekend trip to East Ayrshire despite being firm favourites against Kilmarnock.
Although Killie are struggling at the wrong end of the Premiership standings, Rangers’ defeat at Rugby Park speaks volumes about the resilience against high-profile opponents. Their composure at the back, as well as swift attacking transitions, could stun the Celts even though they thrashed Derek McInnes’ men 4-0 at Parkhead in the opening gameweek of the ongoing campaign.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Kilmarnock
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel’s profound experience has restored stability in goal, particularly after Joe Hart retired upon the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. The veteran Dane has kept 8 clean sheets in 10 Premiership encounters and should aim for another one similar to the reverse fixture.
Alistair Johnston should get the nod over Anthony Ralston, as the Canadian right fullback has secured a starting status since his arrival as Josip Juranović’s successor. Alex Valle impressed down the left during Greg Taylor’s injury absence. The Scotsman started the Leipzig tie but could make way for the young Barcelona loanee on Sunday afternoon. Brendan Rodgers has lined up Auston Trusty alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in recent games. The USMNT pair might feature in the heart of the backline ahead of Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh.
Midfield
Celtic have ample options in the centre of the pitch. However, the skipper Callum McGregor remains irreplaceable for his commitment, technicality, and game-reading traits. He would operate from the base as his presence deep down the midfield should free up space for the other box-to-box midfielders. Arne Engels was roped in to succeed Matt O’Riley in the middle of the park. The Belgian ‘number 8’ has been a revelation so far with his creative spark and productivity in and around the attacking third, and so is Paulo Bernardo irrespective of limited minutes since completing a permanent transfer after last season’s successful loan. Reo Hatate could be rested in favour of the Portuguese ace but is expected to find a place among the substitutes alongside Luke McCowan.
Attack
The flair, finesse and flexibility high up the pitch have made Celtic a free-scoring side in all competitions. Nicolas Kuhn grabbed a brace versus the German giants, also, Daizen Maeda’s hat trick against Aberdeen earned the Bhoys an exhilarating 6-0 triumph in the League Cup semi-final. Hyun-Jun Yang, James Forrest and Luis Palma should continue as the understudy to the first-team pair, but their Northern Irish boss might opt for Adam Idah over Kyogo Furuhashi for the ‘number 9’ spot.
