Palma To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Motherwell | OneFootball

Celtic avenged their shambolic 6-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid by producing an identical scoreline, this time in their favour while clashing heads with Aberdeen just before the international break. Their disastrous European run is not helping Scotland’s co-efficient, but the supremacy in the Premiership has earned them a comfortable lead at the top of the standings. They remain firm favourites to extend the gap with a commanding victory against Motherwell on Saturday afternoon.

The Well, struggling at the wrong end of the league table, were denied a result at Fir Park when Matt O’Riley fired in the Hoops’ winning goal deep into the injury time. The pressure is mounting on Stuart Kettlewell who has failed to grab a victory over the past two months, and the Scottish coach needs to pull the rabbit out of the hat to script an upset at Celtic Park.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Motherwell

Defence

Joe Hart remains the Celts’ ‘number 1’ ahead of Scott Bain. Irrespective of the six-goal humiliation at Estadio Metropolitano, he should keep his place between the sticks and aim for back-to-back clean sheets.

Alistair Johnston has been preferred over Anthony Ralston as the first-choice right fullback. Greg Taylor is expected to operate from the left ahead of Alexandro Bernabei. Cameron Carter-Vickers, irreplaceable in the heart of the backline, must take charge of their defensive game alongside Liam Scales. The latter has been a revelation so far this season and the gaffer, therefore, is tipped to deploy him once more despite having the likes of Gustaf Lagerbielke, Maik Nawrocki, Liam Scales and Nat Phillips in his ranks.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Hyunjun Yang of Celtic celebrates after he scores the opening goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Aberdeen at Celtic Park Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Midfield

Reo Hatate continues to be sidelined with a hamstring strain. But the Bhoys are well-equipped in the middle of the park with Odin Thiago Holm, David Turnbull and Paulo Bernardo being rotated in the wake of the Japanese’s absence. Turnbull should get the nod against his former club, however, the other ‘number 8’ spot belongs to Matt O’Riley who has been scintillating in Celtic colours. Skipper Callum McGregor must orchestrate the game exhibiting his vision, expertise and composure as a deep-lying playmaker.

Attack

Despite an injury-time brace against the Dons, Oh Hyeon-gyu would continue as the understudy to Kyogo Furuhashi for the ‘number 9’ role. The goal against Aberdeen should boost Yang Hyun-Jun’s confidence after a difficult start to life in Scotland and the South Korean international must retain his starting status on the right amid injuries to both Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada. Luis Palma, exquisite since his summer move, is set for an extended run down the left having fired in 5 goals and assists each in 12 appearances in all competitions. James Forrest and Mikey Johnston might get involved late in the game as sporadic options.