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

An incredible double over Ferencvárosi has brought Celtic back in contention for a place in the Europa League knockouts. But they have little time to recover as they are set to travel to Dens Park to lock horns with Dundee in a crucial Premiership encounter. The Hoops clinched an incredible 6-0 win at Celtic Park in the reverse tie and the Dark Blues might undergo another humiliation having suffered a dreadful 5-0 defeat to bottom-placed Ross County in their previous home fixture.

Having said that, the Dee must grab motivation from a 2-1 home win versus Aberdeen three weeks back. A deep defensive strategy might salvage something from the game, similar to Livingston’s approach against the Celts last weekend.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee

Defence

Joe Hart conceded twice on Thursday night against the Hungarian opponent, but his clean-sheet record in the league should remain intact unless the hosts deliver a spirited display on Sunday lunchtime. The veteran Englishman is enjoying his minutes again after a difficult few years back in the homeland.

Anthony Ralston has grabbed his opportunities as the right fullback and must retain his place after signing a new four-year deal a couple of days ago. Carl Starfelt, sidelined with a hamstring strain, won’t return before the international break and a steady show from Stephen Welsh should see him partnering with Cameron Carter-Vickers at the heart of the backline. Greg Taylor has not recovered yet from a shoulder injury and the gaffer should continue with Josip Juranovic as a makeshift left fullback ahead of Liam Scales, Adam Montgomery and Boli Bolingoli.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 08: Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates his 3rd Celtic goal with teammate Liel Abada during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee FC at on August 8, 2021 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images). The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency: Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/) and Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)

Meanwhile, Welsh endured a slight knock against Ferencvárosi and might get replaced by Scales in central defence unless he recovers in time for this weekend tie.

Midfield

Nir Bitton featured as a midfield anchor amid the injury absence of Tom Rogic. But he himself is injured now which should see James McCarthy reclaiming a starting role in the middle of the park. Skipper Callum McGregor would exhibit his work ethic and commitment as a ‘number 8’, whereas David Turnbull must keep on operating in a box-to-box role and trouble the opponents with his late runs, link-up play and creative spark.

Attack

Liel Abada is back among goals as his strike around the hour-mark turned out to be the decider this midweek. The young Israel international must occupy the right-wing slot allowing Filipe Jota to showcase his mastery from the left. The Portuguese has been in majestic form, so is Kyogo Furuhashi as a ‘number 9’ who fired in a hat-trick against Dundee back in August. Mikey Johnston, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Albian Ajeti would keep on covering the trio high up the pitch.