Sinisalo To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hearts | OneFootball

The final lap of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season is set to resume with league leaders Celtic set to host Hearts on Saturday afternoon. The Hoops have a 13-point cushion over second-placed Rangers at the top of the standings; Yet the Old Firm defeat against their bitter rivals before the international break was a wake-up call for Brendan Rodgers’ juggernaut.

The Jambos, on the other hand, were battling for survival early into the campaign. But they have scripted a resurgence following Neil Critchley’s appointment as the Tynecastle boss. Hearts, currently sixth in the table, could finish as high as third with a few strong performances over the next couple of months. However, they must defy the odds to get a result against the champions, having been defeated twice so far this season.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hearts

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel was below par against the Gers. The veteran Dane also suffered a UEFA Nations League heartbreak against Portugal despite denying Cristiano Ronaldo from the spot. Meanwhile, a shoulder injury sustained in Lisbon might see Viljami Sinisalo make his league debut versus the Jam Tarts.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 04: Nathaniel Atkinson of Hearts vies with Daizen Maeda of Celtic during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park Stadium on May 04, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Injuries to Auston Trusty and Liam Scales forced Rodgers to deploy forgotten Maik Nawrocki in the Old Firm clash. The Polish centre-back looked impressive in the heart of the backline, but he is expected to make way for Trusty, who remains the preferred option alongside fellow USMNT ace Cameron Carter-Vickers. Right fullback Alistair Johnston must shake off his shambles from the derby defeat, and the gaffer could once again rely on Jeffrey Schlupp over wantaway Greg Taylor on the left-hand side. Meanwhile, Nawrocki might grab another start if Trusty and Scales fail to recover from their respective calf strain and cheekbone injury.

Midfield

Celtic felt Callum McGregor’s absence against Rangers as they lost their shape in the middle of the park. But the ‘Captain Fantastic’ is likely to reclaim his ‘number 6’ spot, recovering from the knock. Arne Engels must be reinstated in his usual box-to-box role, and the Belgian should partner with Reo Hatate over Luke McCowan. Hatate offers pace, flair and finesse as a ‘number 8’, whereas ‘super sub’ McCowan’s directness and finishing traits could make a difference late in the game. Paulo Bernardo remains sidelined with a long-term fitness concern.

Attack

Daizen Maeda has been exquisite as a ‘number 9’, particularly after his compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi’s winter exit. The Japanese hitman must spearhead the attack, and the Parkhead boss should opt for Nicolas Kuhn and Jota down the wings in his starting lineup. James Forrest might return to the matchday squad, overcoming a long injury layoff. Yang Hyun-Jun and Adam Idah could be involved as second-half substitutes.