Maeda And Tierney To Return? | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers | OneFootball

After an abrupt and controversial end to Brendan Rodgers’ second stint as Celtic boss, the management brought in Martin O’Neill ahead of hosting Falkirk on Wednesday night. The veteran Northern Irishman delivered on his first game in charge, as the rejuvenated Hoops registered a thumping 4-0 victory at Celtic Park. The outcome would boost their spirit before Sunday’s blockbuster Old Firm clash in the Scottish League Cup semifinal.

Rangers have also fought back under Danny Rohl, who succeeded Russell Martin a couple of weeks ago. Successive wins against Kilmarnock and Hibernian helped them climb up to third in the Premiership standings, and the upbeat Light Blues would aim for glory at Hampden Park, having held the Celts to a stalemate at Ibrox early into the campaign.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Rangers

Defence

Rodgers preferred Viljami Sinisalo in the previous Cup rounds, but the interim Bhoys chief might rely on Kasper Schmeichel, given the significance of the weekend encounter. The veteran Dane made some fine stops en route to grabbing a clean sheet against the Bairns, and he must deliver another steady performance if the gaffer decides to deploy him between the sticks over the Finnish custodian.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 31: Daizen Maeda of Celtic is challenged by Nasser Djiga of Rangers during the Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It was a no-nonsense call from O’Neill, who banked on Anthony Ralston’s experience down the right ahead of Colby Donovan amid the injury absence of Alistair Johnston. Dane Murray lost his spot to Auston Trusty following an erroneous outing against Hearts, and the USMNT centre-back should keep his place in deep defence, with fellow compatriot Cameron Carter-Vickers sidelined for months. Liam Scales has cemented his position in the heart of the backline; however, Kieran Tierney is expected to recover from a ‘niggle‘ and replace  Marcelo Saracchi on the left-hand side.

Midfield

The interim Celtic manager dropped Reo Hatate this midweek and chose to start Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels as the central midfield pair. Skipper Callum McGregor continues to be the driving force from the base as a deep-lying playmaker, and the winning combination from the Falkirk fixture must not be altered, even though Hatate, along with Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo, would be waiting for their opportunities in the middle of the park.

Attack

Injuries to Jota, Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda decimate the reigning champions up top. But the potential return of the Japanese ace is a timely lift, as he could replace James Forrest on the right. Sebastian Tounekti should operate from the left, having netted his first Premiership goal on Wednesday. Also, Johnny Kenny has silenced his critics with a brace at Parkhead. He must spearhead the attack over Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada for his flair, finesse and sharpness as a ‘number 9’. Forrest and Michel-Ange Balikwisha might slot in on the flanks as second-half substitutes.