After a weekend win against Motherwell at Fir Park, Celtic will host Dundee on Wednesday night for their upcoming Premiership encounter. The game was scheduled for late January, but the damage caused by Storm Eowyn led to a postponement till this midweek.
Meanwhile, a last-gasp equalizer from Arne Engels saw Celtic secure a 3-3 draw at Dens Park two weeks back. The Dee have been impressive of late across competitions until a shocking 6-0 setback against Hibernian on Saturday afternoon. They must defy the odds to script an upset, particularly after a 2-0 defeat at Parkhead early into the campaign.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel is still going strong at the age of 38. He remains the Hoops’ ‘number 1’ ahead of Viljami Sinisalo and Scott Bain and has conceded only 12 goals in 24 Premiership outings. Most of them have been on the road, and the veteran Dane must be aiming for his eighth successive league clean sheet at Celtic Park.
Anthony Ralston was handed a surprise start against the Well but is expected to make way for Alistair Johnston. The Canadian has been the first-choice right fullback throughout the season and should return to the starting XI, replacing Ralston. Alex Valle’s exit leaves the Hoops with Greg Taylor as the only outright left fullback. However, versatile Liam Scales should deputize down the left as well as in the heart of the backline. USMNT duo Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty must feature as the central defensive pair.
Midfield
Celtic have bolstered themselves in midfield by roping in Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace. The Ghanaian prefers to operate from the left and could get some minutes on Wednesday. He might not be handed an immediate start, given the presence of Reo Hatate in the box-to-box role. Ex-Dundee ace Luke McCowan must also be involved but as a substitute for Engels. Paulo Bernardo must fight for his minutes having slipped down the pecking order, however, the ‘number 6’ spot belongs to skipper Callum McGregor who drives the show from the base as a deep-lying playmaker.
Attack
Adam Idah must spearhead the attack following Kyogo Furuhashi’s exit. The in-form Irishman restored the lead against Motherwell, also, Daizen Maeda should keep his place down the left after firing in the first minute of the contest. Nicolas Kuhn should retain his starting status on the opposite flank, and the German winger could be replaced by Jota at some point following a goal on his second debut for the Bhoys. Yang Hyun-Jun is there as well among wide-attacking options, whereas Luis Palma has left for Olympiacos on loan for the rest of the season.
