Ralston To Feature? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Kilmarnock | OneFootball

Celtic have not conceded yet in the Premiership, but are far from impressive in these early weeks. A stalemate at Ibrox before the international break exposed their frailty high up the pitch, and the failure to find the net against Kairat Almaty forced the board to secure a couple of late signings. They must find a way to bounce back on Sunday afternoon; however, it won’t be a stroll in the park for the champions at Rugby Park against the unbeaten Kilmarnock.

Killie have yet to win a league game, but have drawn all four so far this campaign. Stuart Kettlewell’s men clinched an edgy win over Dundee United in the League Cup, and their home advantage could come into play while hosting the Hoops in East Ayrshire.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Kilmarnock

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel is still going strong between the sticks and should aim for another clean sheet, regardless of Djenairo Daniels’ impressive scoring run in the Kilmarnock attack.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 18: Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic protests after Bobby Wales of Kilmarnock scores during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on January 18, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic have a stable backline with depth and quality in every position. But Brendan Rodgers has a decision to make this weekend with Alistair Johnston sidelined. Alistair Johnston is also uncertain after being withdrawn from Scotland duties due to an injury issue, and the gaffer might deploy 19-year-old Colby Donovan from the right. Kieran Tierney is also struggling with fitness and is expected to make way for Marcelo Saracchi at some point, even if he starts the game. With Auston Trusty ruled out, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales remain irreplaceable in the heart of the backline.

Midfield

Skipper Callum McGregor needs to step up his game while driving the show from the base of Rodgers’ three-man midfield. Summer signing Benjamin Nygren featured as a winger against Rangers, but should be restored as a ‘number 8’ following the arrival of Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti. Reo Hatate must keep his starting status, and the likes of Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan could be introduced as second-half substitutes.

Attack

Celtic parted ways with Adam Idah but failed to rope in an alternative before the deadline. They were forced to explore the free agent pool before snapping up Kelechi Iheanacho, who, however, is unlikely to start games as a ‘number 9′ ahead of Daizen Maeda. The Japanese ace has struggled to score goals, but his flair, work rate and movements suit Rodgers’ style of play. James Forrest might feature from the right, and Balikwisha should retain his left-wing role despite Tounekti’s arrival. It remains to be seen whether the manager views either of the wide attacking duo as a right-sided option until Jota’s return from injury.