Celtic return to Paradise ten weeks after Trophy Day. On the last occasion, Brendan Rodgers’ side collected the trophy after a draw against St Mirren in which James Forrest netted with a sensational equaliser. Now, the preparations are well underway in the hunt to retain the Premiership title and English opposition are in Glasgow.
Sporting CP v Celtic – Pre-Season Friendly Reo Hatate of Celtic FC celebrates a goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Images
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are bringing around 8000 supporters to Celtic Park for the inaugural Adidas Trophy between the two clubs. Howe, who was widely expected to take over as Celtic manager from Neil Lennon in 2021, secured silverware with the Magpies last year as they beat Liverpool in the League Cup Final.
Team News
Brendan named a strong team for the win over Sporting Lisbon. You wouldn’t be surprised if a similar team was named for the test from Newcastle. There are a number of first team players still to come back into the fold with North American duo Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston yet to feature.
Sporting CP v Celtic – Pre-Season Friendly Reo Hatate of Celtic FC runs with the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Image
Kasper Schmeichel will likely start in goals.
Tony Ralston will start at right back with Kieran Tierney at left back. The central defensive pairing remains to be seen, Dane Murray has bulked up and impressed so far this pre-season, the young defender will be eager to play his way into the manager’s plans and this could result in starting again alongside Liam Scales. Auston Trusty will be desperate to impress as he looks to win his place back in the team.
In midfield, there are a number of players that will feature. Paulo Bernardo is expected to feature at some point but the midfield three of Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Benji Nygren will start.
Sporting CP v Celtic – Pre-Season Friendly Benjamin Nygren of Celtic FC is in action during the pre-season friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Images
In attack, options are more limited. Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest started the other night. The club will need to bring more wingers in to increase competition in the wide areas.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 3pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game is available exclusively to watch on Celtic TV subscribers with all the coverage from Celtic Park broadcast by the club’s channel starting at 2:45pm. However, Celtic are offering a PPV option for the fans that are unable to make the game, costing £8.99.
Enjoy the match!
COYBIG!
Here’s Kieran Tierney speaking to The Celtic Star and a few other Celtic fan media sites…
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter…
Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered the late David Potter’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books. The link to pre-order your copy is below…
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.
