McCowan To Start Against His Former Club? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee | OneFootball

After three-and-a-half years of heroics, Kyogo Furuhashi leaves Celtic for Rennes. However, the Hoops have Jota back in Glasgow from the Ligue 1 side and their reshuffled frontline must claim a third successive home win against Dundee on Saturday afternoon. They defeated Kilmarnock last weekend in the Scottish Cup followed by an edgy midweek victory in the Champions League against Young Boys.

Meanwhile, a last-gasp equalizer from Arne Engels saw Celtic secure a 3-3 draw at Dens Park two weeks back. The Dee have been impressive of late across competitions, yet they must defy the odds to script an upset having suffered a 2-0 defeat at Parkhead earlier this season.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel grabbed a clean sheet after a while when they hosted the Swiss side on Wednesday night. The veteran Dane should aim for another one as he has clinched in most home encounters.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 08: Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 08, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Alistair Johnston remains the first choice over Anthony Ralston down the right, and so is Greg Taylor, even though Alex Valle has impressed in limited minutes as the left fullback. Maik Nawrocki does not belong to Brendan Rodgers’ plans, also, Liam Scales has lost his place to Auston Trusty who is now preferred over the Irishman. The USMNT international is expected to partner with fellow countryman Cameron Carter-Vickers in the heart of the backline.

Midfield

Ever-present Callum McGregor should orchestrate the game from the midfield base with his vision, ball-carrying ability and technical traits. Although Engels and Reo Hatate have mostly been regulars for the ‘number 8’ spots, Rodgers should rest them against Dundee in favour of Paulo Bernardo and the ex-Dee midfield ace Luke McCowan. Engels and Hatate must stay fit for the Aston Villa clash as they will lock horns in Europe for the final group phase encounter.

Attack

The egress of Furuhashi leaves the ‘number 9’ spot uncontested for Adam Idah who played his part in their late winner against Young Boys. Daizen Maeda received a marching order moments after Loris Benito’s own goal, but the Japanese ace is available for selection in domestic competitions. He must feature from the left ahead of Luis Palma, whereas Yang Hyun-Jun deserves a nod down the right after finding the net at Dens Park. Nicolas Kuhn could be introduced in the second half as the German wideman is tipped to start the Villa tie on Wednesday night.