After four successive defeats, Wilfried Nancy showed glimpses of his gameplan with back-to-back wins over Aberdeen and Livingston. However, they were back to square one following their midweek defeat against Motherwell, and the French boss must turn things around on Saturday afternoon, as they are set to host their Old Firm rivals Rangers at Celtic Park.
Although the Hoops still have a three-point cushion over Rangers in the Premiership standings, a defeat this weekend could see them drop to third, thus jeopardising their title defence, with Hearts leading the fray midway through the season. The reverse tie at Ibrox was a stalemate, but they defeated them 3-1 in the League Cup semi-final when Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand fired in the extra time.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel returned between the sticks against Motherwell, but his error led to Elliot Watt’s goal around the hour mark. He was overworked due to the lack of chemistry and composure in the defensive third, and the veteran Dane must step up his game to stay relevant in the league race.
Nancy restored Liam Scales to the starting XI in favour of deploying Kieran Tierney from the left-hand flank. He should revert to the ‘back three’ of Tierney, Auston Trusty and Anthony Ralston, as the trio showed grit and determination against the Dons and Livi. Scales, as well as Dane Murray, could be deployed from the bench, with Cameron Carter-Vickers ruled out for the rest of the season. The loan spell of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is expected to be cut short, as the Manchester City youngster could return to his parent club following limited gametime.
Midfield
Injuries to Alistair Johnston and Marcelo Saracchi have forced Nancy to opt for makeshift options down the wide. The absence of Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha due to the AFCON further decimates them on the flanks. The gaffer should rely on Hyun-Jun Yang and Luke McCowan, who have impressed with a balanced approach between defence and attack. Also, he could bring in Colby Donovan and James Forrest to freshen things up in the second half.
Arne Engels, dropped against Well, should replace Paulo Bernardo in the middle of the park. Skipper Callum McGregor must drive the show from the deep, as his presence and personality often made a difference in the past in such high-voltage encounters. Meanwhile, Reo Hatate could feature alongside Benjamin Nygren as the advanced playmakers.
Attack
Johnny Kenny might once again find his place among the substitutes if Nancy opts for Daizen Maeda’s experience up top amid injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho and Osmand.
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