3-5-2 has to be way forward for Martin O’Neill’s Celtic | OneFootball

Some much needed soul searching has been going on in the aftermath of our disastrous defeat at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon…

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup, Rangers versus Celtic; Sam Johnstone of Celtic checks his gloves after Dan Neil of Rangers shoots and scores in the 75th minute to make it 3-0 to Rangers. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

It’s being suggested by many that we are in need of a major shake up in regard to our on field structure, indeed Celtic Shorts was calling for this to happen in the build-up to Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup fiasco at the hands of our fiercest rivals, who we face again this Sunday at Celtic Park.

These calls are certainly made with good reason, as it’s pretty evident to most of us anyway that our current formation is no longer serving us well, mainly due to our system not suiting the respective abilities of our players.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Mika Baur of Celtic on the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The midfield is a prime example, as our midfield trio are too similar in style, technicians but after the sale of Arne Engels there are no legs in there.  Callum McGregor is a terrific footballer, but he’s not what you would describe as a ‘number six’. Neither are Benjamin Nygren, Mika Baur, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke McCowan or the recently acquired Joel Van Der Berg.

Thomas Sorensen on the other hand looks like the player to fill that void, but he didn’t get a sniff of action in Govan. A midfield three of Sorensen, McGregor and Nygren for me would give us a better balance of flair, energy and goals.

The next dilemma is the centre forward position, and for me and everyone else, it’s obvious that we are crying out for a front two, as opposed to a loan striker. That would mean switching to a 3-5-2, but a front two of Kasper Hogh, and Camilo Duran would be ideal in this Celtic side.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Camilo Duran of Celtic and Nicolas Raskin of Rangers on the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Kasper is a natural poacher, so he should be utilised as such, and with the dynamic Camilo also preferring to play through the middle the two have the makings of a very successful partnerships, and would be a great threat playing exclusively through the centre. Think Larsson and Sutton here.

The wing back areas would see Kieran Tierney on the left, and Haissem Hassan on the right. Alistair Johnston would be a shoe in for the right wing back slot, but unfortunately he’s out injured at the moment, so the Egyptian would be the natural choice.

Both players have terrific energy, and like to beat their opponents, whilst providing great service into the box, so they would prove formidable in their respective roles. There will be question marks over Hassan’s tracking back strengths, but he’s got the ability to do so, and I’m sure Martin could tweak that part of his game.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Cameron Carter Vickers of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

That would leave a three man central defence of Cameron Carter Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Liam Scales, playing in front of Viljami Sinisalo, a structure that would give us terrific strength and power, as well as a great threat from set pieces.

That’s the team and the system that I think would serve Celtic best in the next two massive games in the Europa League against Ferencváros on Thursday night then the Rangers on Sunday afternoon. Both matches are at Celtic Park and the team will have the benefit of the loud backing of the Celtic support.

There will be some visiting fans from Hungary on Thursday but on Sunday it’s Celtic fans only for the Glasgow Derby and we’ll certainly be making some noise for the Bhoys.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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