Tierney To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Midtjylland | OneFootball

It has been a mixed run so far for Celtic in the Europa League, with four points in three group phase fixtures. Brendan Rodgers was still in charge when they scripted a comeback against Sturm Graz in their previous European encounter; however, Martin O’Neill, his successor at Parkhead, has a tricky test on the road against high-flying Midtjylland.

The Danish giants, leading the group stage standings, have not put a foot wrong in Europe so far this season. They clinched a 3-2 win over two legs when these two sides clashed heads four years ago in the Champions League qualifiers, and their current form, along with the home advantage, makes them firm favourites on Thursday night against the Scottish champions.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Midtjylland

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel should relish the opportunity of playing in his homeland. Back-to-back wins against Falkirk and Rangers must uplift his confidence after a series of difficult outings between the sticks.

Anthony Ralston must keep his place down the right amid Alistair Johnston’s injury absence. With Cameron Carter-Vickers sidelined for months, O’Neill has banked on the experience of Auston Trusty and Liam Scales in the heart of the backline ahead of Dane Murray. Fit-again Kieran Tierney should be restored to the starting XI, replacing Marcelo Saracchi. The Uruguayan, on loan from Boca Juniors, has made the opportunities count. But the ability to turn things around with overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses makes the Scotsman an assured starter on the left.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Midfield

O’Neill has slightly tweaked his midfield set-up by playing a double pivot of skipper Callum McGregor and Arne Engels. Versatile Benjamin Nygren often operated as a ‘number 10’, but the trio showed enough flexibility to switch to a ‘midfield three’, with McGregor driving the show from the base as a deep-lying playmaker. Reo Hatate has lost his spot for lacking consistency in the middle of the park. Also, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan have been viewed as bit-part options. Daizen Maeda and Sebastian Tounekti are the preferred names from the flanks, and a 4-2-3-1 formation could see them balance their game between defence and attack. Hyun-Jun Yang, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and the veteran James Forrest could be involved from the bench to challenge and cover the first-team duo.

Attack

Injury to Kelechi Iheanacho proved to be a blessing in disguise for Johnny Kenny, who has now scored three goals in his past two games. The Irishman must spearhead the attack, but the Hoops are also working around the clock to add Callum Osmand to their Europa League squad.