Hatate Must Start | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Motherwell | OneFootball

Celtic are a shadow of their earlier self so far this season, both in Scotland and Europe. While they are two points behind the league leaders Hearts in the Premiership standings, their attack faltered once again on Thursday night when they suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Braga in the Europa League. Brendan Rodgers must find a solution and demand a reaction from his men against Motherwell on Sunday evening.

Although the Hoops have dominated this fixture over the years, including three comprehensive wins last season, the Well are enjoying an unbeaten run with 6 wins and draws each under their new boss, Jens Berthel Askou, across competitions. It remains to be seen now whether the Danish chief passes the Parkhead test – arguably the trickiest tie since his summer appointment.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Motherwell

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel was below par against Braga, as he should have stopped Ricardo Horta’s early strike. Yet the veteran Dane is expected to retain his ‘number 1’ status ahead of Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 20: Benjamin Nygren of Celtic ans Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers are see during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rodgers handed a start to young Colby Donovan over Anthony Ralston amid Alistair Johnston’s injury absence. He took him off at the break, but decided not to introduce Ralston as a second-half substitute. The Scotsman should get the nod down the right, along with left fullback Kieran Tierney, who remains the preferred choice over Marcelo Saracchi despite fitness woes. Fit-again Auston Trusty and the academy prodigy Dane Murray would continue as the understudies to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales in the heart of the backline.

Midfield

Celtic have ample options in the centre of the pitch, and the gaffer has rotated Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan with Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate for the box-to-box spots. Callum McGregor remains their driving force from the base, but the skipper must showcase his vision and creative spark as a deep-lying playmaker. Hatate is back after a brief injury layoff, and the Japanese midfield ace must reclaim his starting status alongside Nygren as the ‘number 8’ pair.

Attack

The Bhoys underwent an attacking overhaul after losing Nicolas Khun and Adam Idah in the summer window. Jota is ruled out for months after rupturing his ACL. Additionally, they failed to replace Kyogo Furuhashi since his departure in January. Daizen Maeda’s dreadful run is concerning, and the failure to bring in effective and quality wingers has exacerbated the issues high up the pitch. Kelechi Iheanacho, roped in on a Bosman, has shown some sparks while spearheading the attack, and Rodgers should try his luck with Michel-Ange Balikwisha down the left in place of Sebastian Tounekti. Wantaway Maeda must revive his form and exhibit his excellence, regardless of the exit rumours.