Tierney To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee

Celtic were supposed to bid adieu to Martin O’Neill following their win against Hibernian at Easter Road. But the interim Hoops boss is now expected to be in charge on Wednesday night, with the champions set to host Dundee FC in their upcoming Premiership encounter. Wilfried Nancy’s arrival has been delayed; however, the iconic Northern Irishman expects the midweek game to be his final outing at Parkhead.

The Bhoys were in catastrophe when Brendan Rodgers parted ways just over a month ago. But O’Neill has turned things around in no time across competitions, thus laying the foundation for Nancy to script a successful chapter as the Celtic chief. With Hearts’ downfall, the Glasgow giants could very well grab the top of the table spot by securing all three points against the Dee.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee

Defence

Despite having Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan, the profile and stature of Kasper Schmeichel make him the obvious choice between the sticks, even though the 39-year-old custodian is at the twilight of a glittering career.

Japanese duo of Maeda and Hatate celebrate a Celtic goal
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – NOVEMBER 27: Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Daizen Maeda during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Feyenoord and Celtic FC at De Kuip on November 27, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Alistair Johnston’s injury has led to the emergence of Colby Donovan, the 19-year-old academy graduate, who has been favoured over Anthony Ralston. Although the young Scot can be reckless at times with his challenges, the energy he brings down the right is undeniable. Marcelo Saracchi was handed an immediate start on the left upon his injury return. But the on-loan Uruguayan might make way for Kieran Tierney for the Dundee tie. Unlike the fullback roles, O’Neill lacks depth and experience in deep defence amid Cameron Carter-Vickers’ season-ending injury. Liam Scales and Auston Trusty must continue as the central defensive pairing, ahead of the Dane Murray and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.

Midfield

Celtic have ample depth across the midfield, and the manager has rotated his options to manage the fitness and fatigue. Skipper Callum McGregor remains irreplaceable due to his playmaking traits from the deep. Also, Arne Engels, who lost his place to Benjamin Nygren early in the season, has reclaimed the starting spot in the recent fixtures. Reo Hatate has revived his form and, therefore, should feature as a ‘number 8’. Nygren and Paulo Bernardo could be brought in at some stage as second-half substitutes.

Attack

After two assists against Feyenoord, Daizen Maeda made it to the scoresheet last weekend while spearheading the attack. The versatile Japanese ace is tipped to get the nod over Kelechi Iheanacho and Johnny Kenny. But a below-par display from Luke McCowan could result in a change, with Nygren replacing the former Dundee star. Hyun-Jun Yang is back in the mix, as the South Korean wideman should keep his place down the left ahead of summer signings Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

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