Hatate To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United | OneFootball

Celtic will relish their battle against Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk as they go into Group F following Thursday evening’s Champions League draw. While the champions of Scotland must aim for a better European show after a dreadful display during the 2021-22 season, their immediate focus should be on the upcoming encounter versus Dundee United at Tannadice.

The Hoops have a two-point cushion at the top of the Premiership standings in the aftermath of Rangers‘ 2-2 draw against Hibernian. They are determined to maintain their all-win status in the league, whereas the Tangerines should uplift their game after four successive defeats, including a 7-0 humiliation against AZ in the return leg of the Europa Conference League third qualifying round.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United

Defence

Joe Hart secured back-to-back clean sheets against Kilmarnock and Hearts. The veteran Englishman would look to grab another one on Sunday lunchtime, having conceded only one goal so far in the Premiership. His understudy Benjamin Siegrist could finally make his official debut on Wednesday night in their League Cup outing against Ross County.

Right fullback Josip Juranovic has cemented a starting role ahead of Anthony Ralston. Summer signing Alexandro Bernabei has failed to replace Greg Taylor down the left and the gaffer Ange Postecoglou must stick with his preferred fullback pair for this away test. Although Carl Starfelt is back in action and available for selection, in-form Moritz Jenz should keep his place in deep defence alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Joe Hart

Midfield

Back from a brief injury setback, Reo Hatate was involved as a second-half substitute against Hearts. The Japanese midfield ace has been a better fit for Postecoglou’s ‘Angeball’ and is expected to replace David Turnbull from the start. Callum McGregor would pull the strings from his usual ‘number six’ role; also the box-to-box runs of Matt O’Riley must be utilized despite interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund. Experienced Aussie international Aaron Mooy should feature as a ‘super sub’ at some stage of the contest.

Attack

Celtic have a stable three-man frontline with Kyogo Furuhashi spearheading the attack due to his sharp movements and exquisite poaching attribute. The work ethic of Daizen Maeda makes him an automatic choice over James Forrest down the left-hand flank. Filipe Jota should continue to impress with his flair and swift footwork from the right and the manager might once again deploy the likes of Liel Abada and Giorgos Giakoumakis as second-half substitutes.