Engels To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Kilmarnock In The Scottish Cup | OneFootball

Celtic were far from impressive against Dundee at Dens Park as they only escaped with a 3-3 draw, thanks to a last-gasp spot-kick from Arne Engels. But they have little time to recover ahead of the weekend’s Scottish Cup encounter against Kilmarnock.

The Hoops will resume their title defence by hosting the East Ayrshire side on Saturday evening. While they remain firm favourites in this fourth-round fixture, Killie boss Derek McInnes would aim for another upset as he did last season by knocking Celtic out of the League Cup’s early rounds. Having said that, the Bhoys are tipped to claim a comprehensive victory given the visitors’ dreadful run of form.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Kilmarnock

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel conceded 7 goals in the Celts’ past three fixtures on the road. But he has been consistent with clean sheets at Parkhead and should aim for another one as Brendan Rodgers is expected to rely on him between the sticks even though it is a Cup game.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 4: goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic during the cinch Premiership match between Celtic FC and Kilmarnock FC at Celtic Park on August 4, 2024 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Despite having alternatives in every position, the Northern Irish boss is unlikely to tweak his backline. Right fullback Alistair Johnston has been preferred over Anthony Ralston ever since his arrival, but the left-back spot belongs to Greg Taylor irrespective of Alex Valle’s impact in limited opportunities. Cameron Carter-Vickers is unparalleled for his composure and ball-playing traits, however, fellow USMNT international Auston Trusty has replaced Liam Scales in the heart of the backline.

Midfield

Celtic are highly reliant on skipper Callum McGregor who orchestrates the show from the base as a deep-lying playmaker. The veteran Scotsman must keep his ‘number 6’ status, but the gaffer should drop Paulo Bernardo after handing him a surprise start on Tuesday night. Luke McCowan impressed against his former employers by finding the net in the early minutes. Yet Rodgers might rest him as well in favour of Reo Hatate and Arne Engels. Both McCowan and Bernardo could be introduced as ‘super subs’ at some stage in the second half.

Attack

Yang Hyun-jun has vastly improved of late as he grabbed his opportunities amid Nicolas Kuhn, James Forrest and Daizen Maeda’s injury absence. He scored his first goal of the season against the Dee, and should, therefore, get the nod over Luis Palma down the left-hand flank. Fit-again Kuhn must feature from the right and the poaching traits of Kyogo Furuhashi should earn him the ‘number 9’ status ahead of Adam Idah. Maeda could return to action after overcoming a minor strain, but he must not be deployed from the start considering Yang’s impact from the flanks.