Jota To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United | OneFootball

All is not lost for Celtic as a late goal from Daizen Maeda reduced the deficit in their 1-2 defeat against Bayern Munich. An upset at Allianz Arena next midweek could still see them defy the odds and secure a place in the Champions League Round of 16, but they must switch their focus to the Premiership now ahead of hosting Dundee United on Saturday afternoon.

The Hoops clinched a 2-0 win when these two sides clashed heads at Parkhead just over a month ago. However, the Tangerines are on the rise under Jim Goodwin as they have climbed up to third in the standings. They held the mighty Celts to a scoreless stalemate before Christmas, and the gaffer must motivate his men to produce a spirited show irrespective of the outcome.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel had a difficult time against the Bavarians. But the veteran Dane should aim for his third successive clean sheet against United, thus maintaining his exquisite league record between the sticks.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 12: Adam Idah of Celtic battles for possession with Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and FC Bayern München at Celtic Park on February 12, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Alistair Johnston must be protected for the return leg fixture, and Brendan Rodgers, therefore, could offer Anthony Ralston a starting status as the right fullback. Jeffrey Schlupp, on loan from Crystal Palace, might get the nod over Greg Taylor down the left, but the gaffer should stick with the USMNT pair Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty ahead of Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki and Dane Murray in the heart of the backline.

Midfield

Skipper Callum McGregor has been ever-present at the base of a three-man midfield. He must drive the show from the deep with his experience, vision and technical traits and his presence would free up space for the ‘number 8s’ in the centre of the pitch. Paulo Bernardo is nursing a small injury sustained in their Cup contest against Raith Rovers and it remains to be seen whether he returns to team training before the weekend encounter. Luke McCowan might make it to the starting XI in favour of resting Arne Engels. Reo Hatate should keep his place and exhibit flair and finesse with box-to-box movements.

Attack

Despite undergoing an uneventful outing against the German giants, Adam Idah is likely to spearhead the attack in the upcoming tie. Nicolas Kuhn might make way for Jota, but the red-hot Maeda must be the first name on the team sheet following his dazzling display of football. Hyun-Jun Yang had an impressive cameo on the European night and the manager should deploy him once again as a ‘super sub’ midway through the second half.