Sinisalo To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Partick Thistle | OneFootball

Celtic have been a shadow of their earlier self so far this season under Brendan Rodgers. But they are still leading the Premiership standings over Hearts on goal difference after five fixtures. Kelechi Iheanacho’s injury-time spot-kick secured all three points against Kilmarnock at Fir Park, and the reigning champions must register back-to-back wins by eliminating Partick Thistle from the Scottish League Cup quarter-final.

The Jags have made a strong start in their battle for top-flight football. While the Firhill crowd would make it hostile on Sunday afternoon, the Celts, having clinched a commanding 4-1 win against Falkirk in the previous round, remain firm favourites for a trip to Hampden Park.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Partick Thistle

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel remains the preferred choice in the league and Europe. But Viljami Sinisalo, his understudy between the sticks, is expected to get the nod for this Cup fixture.

Colby Donovan grabbed his opportunity down the right amid injuries to Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston. The teenage fullback could start again this weekend; also, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales might continue as the central defensive pairing amid Auston Trusty’s injury absence. Neither Jahmai Simpson-Pusey nor Hayato Inamura has staked a claim in Rodgers’ plan, and the gaffer could stick with Marcelo Saracchi on the left, allowing Kieran Tierney some more time to regain full fitness.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 16: Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Midfield

Celtic are stacked in midfield in terms of depth and quality. Although the skipper Callum McGregor, along with Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate as ‘number 8s’, remain the starting options, the Northern Irish boss should rotate the trio in favour of Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo. The latter should operate from the base, with Engels and McCowan featuring box-to-box and exhibiting their creative spark in and around the attack third.

Attack

Daizen Maeda is back among goals, as he earned Celtic a second-half lead against Killie. The Japanese hitman must retain his place up top, but could make way for Iheanacho at some point in the match. Summer recruits Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti are likely to operate from the flanks, and a few goals and assists should boost their confidence ahead of a tricky away encounter against FK Crvena Zvezda in the Europa League group phase. Jota is ruled out for months after rupturing his ACL, thus leaving James Forrest and Hyun-Jun Yang as alternatives in the attacking third. Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny have slipped down the pecking order following Iheanacho’s Bosman arrival.