O’Neill To Make Changes? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Dunfermline In The Scottish Cup Final | OneFootball

Despite being below par all season, Celtic clinched a dramatic late win against Hearts in the final gameweek to conquer the coveted Premiership crown. They are not aiming for a domestic double, as a win against Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final would be a fitting tribute to Martin O’Neill, who is set to part ways at the end of the season.

Dunfermline had a dream run under Neil Lennon, the ex-Hoops boss, who guided the minnows to claim victories against top-flight outfits Hibernian, Aberdeen and Falkirk en route to securing a trip to Hampden Park on Saturday afternoon.

Although they endured heartbreak in the playoff semifinal against Partick Thistle, the second-tier Pars could still finish the campaign on a high note, with Lennon determined to script one of Scottish football’s greatest-ever underdog stories against his former club, where he witnessed enormous success during his playing as well as managerial reign.

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

Defence

Viljami Sinisalo is enjoying the ‘number 1’ status in the wake of Kasper Schmeichel’s shoulder surgery. It remains to be seen whether he is retained as the first-choice next season. However, the Finnish custodian must deliver another commanding performance to cement his place between the sticks in the long run.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 17: Dunfermline goalkeeper Ryan Scully is beaten by the long range shot of Mikey Johnston of Celtic during the Betfred League Cup match between Celtic and Dunfermline Athletic at Celtic Park on August 17, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Alistair Johnston is back in action, overcoming a long injury layoff. The Canadian right fullback would be preferred over Anthony Ralston, and so should Kieran Tierney, who must feature from the left ahead of Marcelo Saracchi. Auston Trusty and Liam Scales have partnered in the heart of the backline amid Cameron Carter-Vickers’ season-ending Achilles injury. They are expected to take charge of their deep defence, with Dane Murray and Benjamin Arthur being the understudies to the first-team pair.

Midfield

Arne Engels’ return from injury has restored depth and composure deep down the midfield. Skipper Callum McGregor should drive the game from the base as a deep-lying playmaker, thus allowing the Belgian to make down-the-middle runs and carry the ball forward. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Reo Hatate might find themselves on the bench as squad options.

Celtic have lacked an outright winger who could cause a menace high up the pitch week in and week out. Yet the gaffer might rely on Hyun-Jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti, as the fitness woes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Callum Osmand forced him to deploy Daizen Maeda as a ‘number 9′. Benjamin Nygren has been the Hoops’ most productive attacking outlet with 21 goals and 8 assists in 57 outings across competitions. The Swedish ‘number 10’ must keep his place and exhibit his flair, finesse and poaching traits in and around the frontline.

Attack

Both Iheanacho and Osmand had their moments off the bench in the title chase. But they might once again be involved as ‘super subs’, with Maeda likely to spearhead the attack following Tomas Cvancara’s injury absence.