Tierney To Return? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Motherwell | OneFootball

Celtic are back in business following a win against Rangers in the Scottish Cup quarter-final. While they are far from their best throughout the season, Martin O’Neill has brought them back on track since being reappointed as the interim boss. However, they remain five points adrift of league leaders Hearts, and the veteran Irishman must once again grind out a result, with the Hoops set to host high-flying Motherwell on Saturday evening.

The Well grabbed a commanding 2-0 win on New Year’s Eve at Fir Park. Although they suffered an injury-time heartbreak at Parkhead in October, their resolute defending under Jens Berthel Askou might frustrate the Bhoys in their own backyard.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Motherwell

Defence

Viljami Sinisalo has grabbed his opportunities between the sticks and is expected to retain his starting status ahead of Kasper Schmeichel. The veteran Dane, dreadful of late, has missed the matchday squad in recent games due to a mysterious illness.

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 30: Luke McCowan of Celtic delivers a cross during the Premier League match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on December 30, 2025 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

The Celts have found a worthy replacement for Alistair Johnston in Julian Araujo. The Mexican right-back should keep his place over Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan, and the gaffer hopes to have Kieran Tierney back down the left, despite missing the Old Firm clash last weekend. Liam Scales, who featured as a makeshift left-back, should be restored to deep defence. Benjamin Arthur has impressed in limited appearances, and the on-loan Brentford centre-back deserves a nod over Dane Murray in the wake of Auston Trusty’s suspension. Marcelo Saracchi was an unused substitute at Ibrox, but could get involved as a second-half substitute.

Midfield

Celtic are sweating over skipper Callum McGregor’s future after missing the derby. Arne Engels continues to be sidelined with a thigh injury, and O’Neill is now left with limited options in the centre of the pitch. He should stick with Reo Hatate as a makeshift ‘number 6’, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain must be brought in, replacing Luke McCowan as a box-to-box midfielder. Benjamin Nygren, irreplaceable for his poaching traits in and around the attacking third, would occupy the other ‘number 8’ spot. Besides McCowan, Paulo Bernardo might grab some minutes in the middle of the park.

Attack

The Celts have been wasteful up top, and Motherwell, being the league’s best defensive unit, would make things more difficult for the champions of Scotland. Tomas Cvancara scored the winning spotkick against the Gers, and the Czech ‘number 9’ could be back in the first-team, thus allowing Daizen Maeda to shift down the right. Sebastian Tounekti should keep his place, but the Tunisian winger needs to work on his finishing and final deliveries from the left-hand flank. Yang Hyun-jun, Junior Adamu and James Forrest might also be involved as an alternate attacking trio in the second half.