Celtic predicted XI vs Auchinleck Talbot as Martin O'Neill set to down tools against sixth tier opposition
Here’s how we think Martin O’Neill will set up his starting XI in Ayrshire for their Scottish Cup clash.
The Celtic boss will be looking to continue his 100% domestic win record this season at Rugby Park.
It’s been two wins from two for Martin O’Neill and Celtic since the veteran boss has took the reins at Parkhead this season. Following the disaster that was Wilfried Nancy, O’Neill has got his side back to winning ways and perhaps more importantly, back ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership table.
However, this weekend, The Hoops take a break from league action as they head to Ayrshire for their fourth round Scottish Cup clash against Auchinleck Talbot. The hosts were hoping the match would be played at their home ground, Beechwood Park, however after discussions with local authorities and Police Scotland, the match will take place at Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park instead.
While Talbot may be 60 places below their Sunday afternoon opponents, they have shown in recent seasons they are capable of an upset, having beaten Championship side Ayr United 1-0 in 2019 at Beechwood. However with Celtic at odds of 1/80 on with the bookmakers, the Champions are predicted to be too much for the Ayrshire side. With that in mind, O’Neill may choose to rest some of his key players, with mammoth fixtures ahead away to Bologna and Hearts. Here’s how we think the 73-year old will set up against Talbot:
Viljami Sinisalo
The Finnish backup stopper had his chance under Wilfried Nancy against Livingston in the league but conceded two. However, as the so-called ‘cup keeper’ he is likely to start.
Colby Donovan
He can perhaps consider himself unfortunate that with the signing of Julian Araujo he’ll be further down the selection pecking order after some early season strong performances, but he should get a chance in this one.
Dane Murray
Nearly three months on from his nightmare at Tynecastle, the youngster has to be integrated back into the squad at some point if he’s not going out on loan anywhere.
Stephen Welsh
Speaking of loans, Welsh was superb in claret and amber for Motherwell during his Fir Park spell. Now he’s been recalled, O’Neill will be hoping he can replicate these performances in green and white.
Anthony Ralston
Playing out of position, but giving Kieran Tierney any game time at all on a plastic pitch would be an unnecessary risk. With Marcelo Saracchi still sidelined, Ralston could be the man to slot in.
James Forrest
He’s came off the bench in six of the past eight games, but only has one league start to his name. Ideal for a match like this where his experience can help the team.
Paulo Bernardo
A fine player on his day, but needs to improve his consistency. He’s been given a few chance this season to break into the first XI but hasn’t taken them so far.
Luke McCowan
A regular under Nancy but has been benched in both O’Neill’s matches thus far. Knocking on the door of becoming a regular starter.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha
A player in need of a confidence boost. After signing from Royal Antwerp for around £5 million he’s yet to justify his price tag in a Hoops jersey.
Johnny Kenny
Another one that needs a goal, or three, in this fixture. All the talk of Celtic needing a new striker can’t be doing his confidence any good.
Shin Yamada
In a game Celtic are expected to win by three, four, five, why not give the strikers an opportunity to score some much-needed goals? Could be set for his first start since August.