After a dreadful run of results, culminating in an Old Firm defeat, Wilfried Nancy was relieved from his duties as the Celtic boss. Martin O’Neill has been reappointed as the caretaker manager until the end of the season, as the Hoops would look to get back to winning ways at Parkhead against Dundee United on Saturday afternoon.
The Tangerines scripted a comeback in the second half, as they secured a 2-1 win at Tannadice Park in December’s reverse fixture. While they lost the Dundee derby over the weekend, Jim Goodwin has steadied the ship, having brought them back to the flight following relegation to the Championship in 2023. O’Neill enjoyed a productive run before Nancy’s arrival, and the veteran Northern Irishman must replicate a similar stint to keep pace with Hearts and Rangers in the title hunt.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United
Defence
Despite being below par between the sticks, the experience of Kasper Schmeichel would be key, as the veteran Dane is expected to retain his starting status over Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan.
O’Neill should get rid of Nancy’s failed ‘back three’ system and revert to a four-man backline. He has limitations with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Marcelo Saracchi being sidelined due to their respective injury concerns, but the gaffer still has options, particularly after Julian Araujo’s arrival. The on-loan Bournemouth right-back deserves the nod over Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan; also, Liam Scales must be restored to the starting XI alongside Auston Trusty in the heart of the backline. Kieran Tierney is likely to operate from the left, with no other designated left fullback available for selection.
Midfield
Celtic have ample options in the centre of the pitch, but the skipper, Callum McGregor, is irreplaceable for his ability to orchestrate the game from the base of a ‘midfield three’. His excellence and expertise as a deep-lying playmaker would unlock Arne Engels and Reo Hatate, who excelled under O’Neill as box-to-box midfielders. Benjamin Nygren and Paulo Bernardo could be introduced from the bench, as they offer a different kind of threat from the middle of the park.
Attack
The Bhoys are supposed to be boosted by Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti’s availability following DR Congo and Tunisia’s elimination from the AFCON. However, there has not been any official confirmation of when the pair would return to Celtic Park. Jota, Kelechi Iheanacho and Callum Osmand are ruled out with injuries, and the manager might opt for Luke McCowan and Yang Hyun-Jun down the flanks, having featured as wingbacks in Nancy’s 3-4-3 setup. Daizen Maeda should be deployed up top as a ‘number 9’, with Johnny Kenny tipped to get involved from the bench as a second-half substitute.
