Celtic face Hearts this afternoon in the William Hill Scottish Premiership. The Scottish Champions will be looking to continue their excellent start to the season with a win over the visitors from Edinburgh. Brendan will be considering introducing the new signings to the starting XI, namely Arne Engels and Auston Trusty.
Celtic go into the game with no fresh injury concerns after the quartet of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Greg Taylor and James Forrest trained today. Johnston was forced off while on international duty but the substitution was confirmed by the Canada boss Jesse Marsch as precautionary. Meanwhile, CCV appeared in a moon boot after the win over Rangers prompting fears that he’d picked up a knock. Again, this was a precautionary measure to ensure that there was no aggravation to the knock. Taylor and Forrest withdrew from Scotland duty but have both used the break to get back to fitness.
Celtic v theRangers – Arne Engels during the match at Celtic Park on Sunday September 1, 2024. Photo Steve Welsh
The manager will be weighing up when to introduced Auston Trusty and Arne Engels to the starting XI after their deadline day moves to the club. With a combined transfer value of £17m, the duo will be seen as first team starters but the starting XI showed to be well balanced in the win over Rangers. You wouldn’t be surprised if the manager decided to simply continue with the same team that defeated Clement & Co.
In goals, Kasper Schmeichel will start. The Dane is yet to concede for Celtic while on league duty on his return to Scottish football.
Expect a back four of Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales and Taylor.
In midfield, you would expect the same trio that dominated the game against Rangers to continue. Paulo Bernardo has the jersey and Engels will need to be given time to displace the Portugal U21 skipper.
In attack, Brendan will likely go for the same again for the Celts given how impressive the trio have been since the new season kicked off.
Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Hatate, Bernardo; Kühn, Kyogo and Maeda.
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