Nygren Must Start | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Utrecht | OneFootball

Despite a lion-hearted display at Tynecastle, ten-man Celtic slipped to third in the Premiership standings following a 2-2 draw against league leaders Hearts. While they are clinging to a playoff spot in the Europa League, a win against Utrecht would keep their European hopes alive.

The Dutch side, on the other hand, are in dismal form with just one draw in seven games. The Hoops have revived their rhythm under Martin O’Neill, who, however, has not been backed enough by the board so far in this January window. They will be without several top names due to injuries and suspension, yet the current crop should secure a straightforward victory on Thursday night.

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

Defence

Although Viljami Sinisalo is waiting for his opportunities between the sticks, the veteran Irishman has banked on Kasper Schmeichel, who continues to be the Hoops’ number 1′ at the age of 39.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Auston Trusty of Celtic FC celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Celtic FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Although Julian Araujo has impressed on the right amid Alistair Johnston’s injury absence, the ineligibility of the winter arrival could see Colby Donovan get the nod over Anthony Ralston once again. Auston Trusty was majestic against Bologna in their 2-2 draw, and the USMNT centre-half should keep his place in deep defence alongside Liam Scales. Kieran Tierney must operate from the left, as the Scotsman has been deployed extensively, considering Marcelo Saracchi’s hamstring problem. Dane Murray might be involved at some stage, being the only designated centre-back available for selection.

Midfield

Callum McGregor and Arne Engels are expected to form a ‘double pivot’ down the deep. Engels could shift as a ‘number 8’, making it a ‘midfield three’, with McGregor driving the show from the base. Reo Hatate received a marching order against Bologna, thus leaving O’Neill with Benjamin Nygren as the only feasible option for his flexibility in the centre of the pitch. The Swedish ace should start as an advanced playmaker but might switch to a box-to-box slot if the gaffer opts for a tactical alteration. Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan would be there among the substitutes, as they have hardly been handed the starting status.

High-flying Hyun-Jun Yang remains irreplaceable from the right-hand flank. Tomas Cvancara was handed an immediate start after his loan move from Borussia Monchengladbach, but his unavailability in Europe would force O’Neill to restore Daizen Maeda high up the pitch. With the Japanese ace tipped to be shifted centrally, Sebastian Tounekti would reclaim his left-wing spot ahead of Michel-Ange Balikwisha and James Forrest.