Cvancara To Lead The Line? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Aberdeen | OneFootball

After a difficult few days, Celtic are regaining rhythm in the Premiership race following a 2-2 draw with Rangers at Ibrox. Despite conceding twice early in the Old Firm clash, Martin O’Neill’s men maintained composure en route to scripting a comeback in the second half.

But the focus has now shifted to the Aberdeen clash, as a win at Pittodrie on Wednesday night would not only close the gap to five points with the league leaders Hearts, but also see them climb up to second, ousting their bitter rivals Rangers, ahead of clashing heads again on Sunday afternoon in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.

The Dons conquered the Scottish Cup crown last season under Jimmy Thelin. However, the Swedish boss has been relieved of his duties after a string of disappointing results, and the club have temporarily appointed Peter Leven until they find Thelin’s long-term successor. Celtic have won both home and away so far this season, and they are expected to make it three, given the hosts’ streak of five games without a Premiership victory.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Aberdeen

Defence

Viljali Sinisalo was chosen over Kasper Schmeichel on back-to-back games, with the latter being dreadful between the sticks in the recent past. The Finnish custodian conceded twice early in the game but made some key saves, thus helping them stage a comeback in yet another electrifying Old Firm encounter. He is expected to feature again in the Celtic goal.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 21: Topi Keskinen of Aberdeen vies with Arne Engels of Celtic and Benjamin Nygren of Celtic during the Premier League match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on December 21, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Julian Araujo has been a revelation since his winter arrival from Bournemouth, as the on-loan right fullback has emulated Alistair Johnston’s impact both in defence and attack. Dane Murray should keep his place in deep defence alongside Liam Scales amid Auston Trusty’s suspension.

Also, the gaffer might stick with Kieran Tierney down the left, even though Marcelo Saracchi has impressed as the Scotsman’s understudy in limited opportunities. Benjamin Arthur has hardly played since joining on loan from Brentford, and would only make it among the substitutes.

Midfield

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is being preferred over Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo in the middle of the park due to Arne Engels’ injury, and the veteran Englishman might retain his starting status, even though he was taken off at the break in his first Old Firm derby. Benjamin Nygren has been productive with 18 goals and 7 assists in 45 games across competitions, and his box-to-box movements would inject more firepower in and around the attacking third.

Skipper Callum McGregor would drive the game from the base as a deep-lying playmaker, and Hatate, regardless of netting the injury-time equaliser on Sunday afternoon, might get involved as a second-half substitute.

Attack

Tomas Cvancara was an unused substitute at Ibrox. But the Czech ‘number 9’ should replace Junior Adamu, who was subbed off at half-time. Sebastian Tounekti must be restored to the left, shifting Daizen Maeda on the right, even though the Japanese has been a shadow of his earlier self.

Hyun-jun Yang, Luke McCowan and James Forrest are also there among the wide attacking options, unlike Joel Mvuka and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who have failed to stake a claim in O’Neill’s plans.