High-flying Celtic will be back in action on Sunday afternoon following last weekend’s stellar 5-0 victory against Kilmarnock. Ange Postecoglou is determined to defend the Premiership crown, and, therefore, should aim for another commanding win against Hearts at Celtic Park. However, it’s unlikely to be a stroll in the park given the Jamtarts’ emergence under Robbie Neilson.
The Jambos are the only other top-flight side except for the Glasgow giants, who have not lost a league game so far this term. They won against Ross County and Dundee United, whereas Martin Boyle’s last-gasp equalizer denied them a victory versus Hibernian. Although they suffered a defeat against FC Zurich in the first leg of the Europa League playoff, a result at Parkhead would boost their spirit ahead of hosting the Swiss outfit in the decisive encounter.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hearts
Defence
Joe Hart has cemented his ‘number 1’ status since the inception of the previous campaign. Benjamin Siegrist is a decent coup on a Bosman, but the former Dundee United custodian must wait for his opportunities in the last line of defence.
Josip Juranvoic has grabbed a regular role ahead of Anthony Ralston as the Bhoys’ right fullback. Cameron Carter-Vickers has been a revelation in the heart of the backline and the USMNT international is expected to be partnered by summer signing Moritz Jenz, who found the net last week versus Killie. He was taken off early with a suspected injury woe which, however, has been termed as nothing serious by the manager himself. Fit-again Carl Starfelt should feature in deep defence in case Jenz fails to recover prior to the contest. Greg Taylor remains the preferred left-back option in spite of roping in Alexandro Bernabei earlier this window.
Midfield
Reo Hatate is back in training after missing a couple of games due to a minor knock, but the gaffer must not rush him from the start with ample options in the middle of the park. David Turnbull should keep his place as the ‘number 8’ alongside Matt O’Riley. The pair have the liberty to operate in the advanced areas, thanks to the presence of skipper Callum McGregor deep down the midfield.
Attack
Postecoglou has a stable frontline consisting of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Filipe Jota. The trio must retain their attacking roles high up the pitch, and the likes of Liel Abada, Giorgos Giakoumakis and James Forrest might get deployed from the bench, similar to the previous outings.
