Forrest To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Sturm Graz | OneFootball

The pressure is mounting on Brendan Rodgers, as the Celtic boss has failed to live up to the expectations so far this season, both in the domestic and European competitions. Having missed out on a Champions League berth, the Hoops were supposed to make a strong run in the Europa League. However, they have yet to win a game in this tournament, and a setback against Sturm Graz could further jeopardise the Northern Irishman’s future at Parkhead.

The Austrian outfit defeated Rangers in the previous gameweek and are currently on a four-game winning streak across competitions. Nevertheless, they lost against Midtjylland on the road, and the Celts must make the home advantage count on Thursday night to climb up the league phase standings.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Sturm Graz

Defence

After enjoying successive wins against Belarus and Greece during the international break, Kasper Schmeichel was stunned by the Dee at Dens Park last weekend. The veteran Dane might undergo another tricky test, as he conceded six goals in his three previous Celtic outings.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 02: Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic vies with Gabri Martinez of SC Braga during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Injuries to Alistair Johnston and Auston Trusty decimate the Celts in the defensive third. Johnston is back in team training, but the gaffer must not rush his return, considering the availability of Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan. Ralston is expected to keep his place on the right, and so should Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales, who have been the preferred central defensive pairing over Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (ineligible) and Dane Murray. Kieran Tierney has been a shadow of his earlier self, and the manager could bring Marcelo Saracchi back to his starting XI.

Midfield

Paulo Bernardo missed their trip to Dundee due to illness and, therefore, remains a major doubt for the upcoming contest. But Rodgers has relied on skipper Callum McGregor from the deep, along with Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate in the ‘number 8’ roles. The trio should retain their first-team status, but might get rotated with Luke McCowan and Arne Engels as tactical alterations.

Attack

With Jota sidelined for months after rupturing his ACL earlier this year, Daizen Maeda’s hamstring injury has weakened the Bhoys significantly in the attacking third. Kelechi Iheanacho is likely to spearhead the attack ahead of Johnny Kenny. Also, Sebastian Tounekti should operate from the left with his flair and finesse over the fellow summer signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha. Veteran James Forrest would be a better fit than Hyun-Jun Yang down the right amid Maeda’s absence.