Phillips To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee | OneFootball

After a difficult run of results, Celtic showed sheer grit and remarkable resilience before the international break when they clashed heads with Rangers at Ibrox. Their decimated defensive line kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 Old Firm triumph and the rejuvenated Hoops must be upbeat before hosting Dundee on Saturday afternoon.

The Dee are back in the Premiership following an immediate promotion earlier this year. They stunned Hearts at Dens Park a couple of weeks ago, but the test will be sterner for Tony Docherty’s men against the champions of Scotland. It is to be seen whether they could script an upset at Celtic Park.

Defence

Joe Hart pulled off some crucial saves against the Light Blues and his experience between the sticks helped the backline maintain composure defying the odds. He must exhibit his expertise once again over the weekend before setting their UEFA Champions League campaign in motion on Tuesday night.

While the Bhoys are still without Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and Yuki Kobayashi in deep defence, Brendan Rodgers expects Nat Phillips to be in contention for a starting status alongside Gustaf Lagerbielke in the heart of the backline. The Englishman has been roped in on a short-term loan from Liverpool due to his lack of playing minutes for the Merseysiders. He is rated highly by Jurgen Klopp and Rodgers, therefore, must utilize him extensively in order to get the deal extended until the remainder of the season. Alistair Johnston is likely to retain his right-back role, and so is Greg Taylor, who should continue as the first-choice left fullback ahead of Alexandro Bernabei.

Midfield

The return of Reo Hatate is a massive injury boost for Celtic who lacked his work rate, swift runs and smart link-up play in the middle of the park. However, Rodgers need not rush the Japanese ace given he has Matt O’Riley and David Turnbull to slot in as box-to-box midfielders. Skipper Callum McGregor should control the show as a deep-lying playmaker.

Attack

Kyogo Furuhashi maintained his majestic form against the Gers as his solitary goal earned them three massive points away from home. He is expected to spearhead the attack Also, the likes of Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada should keep hold of their wide attacking roles for this weekend encounter. Oh Hyeon-gyu, Sead Haksabanovic, Yang Hyun-jun, Mikey Johnston, James Forrest and Luis Palma are also there to offer ample depth and quality in the attacking third.