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

An array of late goals in Dingwall saw Celtic clinch a 4-1 victory against Ross County on Saturday afternoon. They have a comfortable 15-point cushion over second-placed Rangers at the top of the Premiership standings and the lead could widen further on Tuesday night as they set to lock horns with Dundee FC at Dens Park.

The Hoops have dominated this fixture for years, including a 2-0 win at Parkhead in the reverse tie. The Dark Blues, battling to retain their top-flight status, should make the most of the home advantage to defy the odds and secure a result in their own backyard.

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

Defence

Jordan White’s spot-kick denied Kasper Schmeichel a clean sheet against the Staggies. The veteran Danish ace has not conceded in 17 out of 22 Premiership appearances and his incredible record might extend to 18 unless Tony Docherty’s men cause enough menace in Celtic defence.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 30: Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic runs with the ball under pressure from Juan Antonio Portales of Dundee FC during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee FC at Celtic Park on October 30, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Alistair Johnston has been the assured starter despite Anthony Ralston being the other right fullback option. Brendan Rodgers relies upon the USMNT pair of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty in the heart of the backline, whereas, Alex Valle was handed a surprise start ahead of Greg Taylor down the left-hand side. The young Barcelona loanee could make way for the Scottish left-back for this midweek encounter. Versatile Liam Scales remains an able alternative given his flexibility across the defensive third.

Midfield

The Celts have ample depth in the middle of the park and the gaffer has rotated his options other than skipper Callum McGregor. He has been the vital cog as a deep-lying playmaker, also, Arne Engels’ box-to-box expertise has not let them feel the summer egress of Matt O’Riley. Reo Hatate, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo are capable of occupying the other ‘number 8’ spot. But the manager should opt for McCowan over Hatate following his goal-scoring cameo last weekend. Bernardo’s minutes have been limited since being subbed off against Rangers in their 3-0 humiliation at Ibrox. Odin Thiago Holm continues to be sidelined with a long-term calf strain.

Attack

The Bhoys are a little stretched high up the pitch amid the injury absence of Daizen Maeda, James Forrest and  Nicolas Kuhn. But they still have Kyogo Furuhashi, Yang Hyun-jun, Adam Idah and Luis Palma available for selection, also, young Johnny Kenny was handed his league debut at Victoria Park. Furuhashi, who scored a brace against Ross County, should spearhead the attack with Yang and Idah expected to operate from the flanks.