Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action after their Hampden nerve-shredder which saw them claim the Premier Sports Cup in a penalty shoot-out win over rivals Rangers.
It’s a first ever trip to Tannadice for Brendan Rodgers, who has incredibly managed to avoid ever managing against Dundee Utd. Until today. The City of Discovery clash kicks off a hectic festive schedule for the Hoops and the Irishman may be tempted to rotate after going the distance and winning against Rangers a week ago to claim the first trophy of the season.
Three of his back four at Hampden ended up being subbed as more than 120 minutes were needed to come out on top. That could see Alex Valle in from the start in place of Greg Taylor, while Alistair Johnson had to be replaced by Anthony Ralston. Liam Scales was at the centre of the incident that’s dominated the headlines all week, although if Auston Trusty is fit he’ll likely play.
Paulo Bernardo got the Cup Final nod over Arne Engels. However, it may be a day for Luke McCowan as he heads back to Dundee, where he used to play across the street. Up front, Nicoas Kuhn is as close to undroppable as Celtic have right now, while Daizen Maeda doesn’t seem to get tired.
The temptation to give Adam Idah a run from the start will certainly be there, although it may be that Kyogo leads the line and is protected more in the Hoops next two games against Motherwell and St Johnstone to ensure he’s fighting fit for the trip to Ibrox after New Year.
Here’s how Record Sport reckons Celtic could line up..
Predicted Celtic Xi
Provisional Celtic squad
Goalkeepers
- Kasper Schmeichel
- Viljami Sinisalo
- Scott Bain
Defenders
- Alistair Johnston
- Anthony Ralston
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Auston Trusty
- Liam Scales
- Maik Nawrocki
- Stephen Welsh
- Alex Valle
- Greg Taylor
Midfielders
- Callum McGregor
- Luke McCowan
- Reo Hatate
- Paulo Bernardo
- Arne Engels
- Odin Holm
- James Forrest
- Nicolas Kuhn
Forwards
- Yang
- Daizen Maeda
- Kyogo
- Idam Idah