Celtic were going strong in the three-horse Premiership race until last gameweek, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Dundee United before the international break. Another trip to Dundee awaits the Hoops, as they will now clash heads with the Tangerines’ city rivals at Dens Park on Sunday evening.
These two sides have so far faced each other on three occasions this season across competitions. While the Hoops clinched back-to-back wins at Parkhead, their previous meeting at Dundee finished 2-0 in favour of the Dee during Brendan Rodgers’ final days as the Celtic boss. Although Martin O’Neill has revived the rhythm, the Glasgow giants lack quality due to the form and fitness woes of several first-team stars as well as dreadful transfer business over the past two windows.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel might have played his last game, as the veteran Dane underwent shoulder surgery that would rule him out for months. Viljami Sinisalo must make the opportunities count to stake a claim for the ‘number 1’ spot in the long run.
A thigh injury has also sidelined Julian Araujo for the rest of the season. Alistair Johnston is closing in on a return, overcoming his long-term injury. Still, the gaffer must not rush him into action, with Colby Donovan expected to retain the right-back role ahead of Anthony Ralston. Despite being an unused substitute against United, Auston Trusty should be back in the starting XI in place of Liam Scalces, given Benjamin Arthur’s towering presence in deep defence. Kieran Tierney, being the preferred choice down the left, must retain his slot over Marcelo Saracchi.
Midfield
O’Neill must be boosted by Arne Engels’ return, as the Belgian trained during the international break. He should reclaim his place deep down the midfield and partner with skipper Callum McGregor to form a ‘double pivot’. Reo Hatate would make way for the midfield star, but could get involved as a substitute along with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Versatile Luke McCowan remains another against his former employers; however, Paulo Bernardo could once again miss the matchday squad.
Benjamin Nygren is irreplaceable for his movements and poaching traits in and around the attacking third. Daizen Maeda has been a shadow of his earlier self, yet his flexibility up top might earn him the nod over Sebastian Tounekti down the left. In-form Hyun-Jun Yang should feature from the right ahead of Joel Mvuka and James Forrest.
Attack
Kelechi Iheanacho, Junior Adamu and Tomas Cvancara have failed to deliver as the outright centre-forwards. But the latter might replace Iheanacho this weekend, having missed the Tangerines tie through illness.
