Despite failing to defend a 2-0 lead, a lion-hearted performance at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara saw ten-man Celtic settle for a 2-2 draw against Bologna in the Europa League. Rangers’ win against Ludogorets has boosted their hope for the knockout phase playoff, but the focus must now shift to their Sunday afternoon tie against the league leaders, Hearts.
While the Jambos already have a six-point cushion at the top of the Premiership standings, a defeat at Tynecastle would be a massive setback for the reigning champions. Martin O’Neill has brought their season back on track, but the Hoops must step up their game, having suffered successive defeats, both at home and away, in the past two encounters.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Hearts
Defence
39-year-old Kasper Schmeichel continues to be the preferred choice between the sticks. However, he has been a shadow of his earlier self, and a third league clean sheet in a row could be tricky, regardless of Lawrence Shankland’s injury absence.
Julian Araujo was not eligible to feature in the Europa League. But the on-loan Bournemouth right-back is expected to replace Colby Donovan this weekend. Auston Trusty not only found the net but also exhibited his defensive mastery against the Serie A side, and the USMNT centre-half must replicate a similar show while clashing heads with Derek McInnes’ men.
Stephen Welsh has been recalled from his Motherwell loan, but the Scotsman would continue as the understudy to Liam Scales in the heart of the backline. Kieran Tierney would operate from the left, with Marcelo Saracchi working towards regaining match fitness following his long injury layoff.
Midfield
O’Neill must stick with Arne Engels and Callum McGregor as the ‘double pivot’. The midfield pair have restored stability in the centre of the pitch, and the veteran Irishman could bring in Paulo Bernardo as a second-half substitute.
Reo Hatate scored an early opener against Bologna but received a marching order after two yellow cards in quick succession. Although the Japanese midfield ace is not suspended in the domestic league, Benjamin Nygren should still get the nod, having found the net against Dundee United and Falkirk as a midfield attacker.
Attack
Yang Hyun-jun has been a revelation this season from the flank. The South Korean wideman should operate from the right. Also, Sebastian Tounekti must keep his spot down the left ahead of James Forrest, Luke McCowan and Michel-Ange Balikwisha. Celtic are boosted by the arrival of Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Monchengladbach, but the gaffer would rely on Daizen Maeda to spearhead the attack. The Czech centre-forward might be brought in from the bench at some stage in the second half.
