Celtic predicted XI vs Livingston: Scottish Cup saviours to re-enter the fold, verdict on Tierney replacement
Here’s how we think Martin O’Neill will set up his side against Livingston on Wednesday night.
After overcoming their Scottish Cup scare against Dundee, its back to league matters for Celtic, as they prepare to welcome bottom of the table Livingston.
The Hoops were seconds away from disaster against The Dees, who looked set for a shock Parkhead cup upset, however a 97th minute tap-in for new boy Junior Adamu took the tie to extra time, where Sebastian Tounekti sealed the victory.
Due to a variety of factors, Celtic made seven substitutions on Saturday afternoon after an extremely poor first half showing, giving Martin O’Neill some selection headaches going into the Livi clash. One reason for this was a head knock to Kieran Tierney, who went off for Marcelo Saracchi as a concussion substitute, ruling him out of the Livi clash.
O’Neill decided to rest Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda for the Dundee cup tie, a decision he admitted he regretted after the heart-in-mouth finish. Despite Livingston’s poor form and league position, the Hoops boss is unlikely to be downing any tools after last weekend’s scare. Here’s how we think the Celtic starting XI will look on Wednesday night:
Kasper Schmeichel
Viljami Sinisalo didn’t do much wrong against Dundee and could do nothing about Ethan Hamilton’s long range strike. However, the Dane has to come back now he’s had a rest.
Julian Araujo
The Bournemouth loanee has slotted into the defence nicely, with a dynamic, naturally attacking playing style that suits O’Neill’s Celtic team, particularly at home.
Auston Trusty
Having now served his ban for the Tynecastle red, there’s no reason he shouldn’t start every game from now until the end of the season. A huge figure at the back in the midst of a title race.
Liam Scales
He’s played every minute of the last five games and may be needed to provide cover at left back again due to Tierney being out.
Marcelo Saracchi
Came on for Tierney on Saturday and looked fairly comfortable considering he’s back from a long term injury himself, however, O’Neill will have to manage his minutes.
Callum McGregor
The captain, leader and first name on the team sheet is another who could have a huge say in the title race. He won’t be getting dropped any time soon.
Arne Engels
A player O’Neill regretfully rested at the weekend should come straight back into the fold. He was on target from the spot the last time they faced Livi in December’s 4-2 away win.
Benjamin Nygren
Also on target that day was the Swede, who has scored a brace of braces against Livingston so far this season. Producing numbers like that it’d be a bold move not to start him.
Sebastian Tounekti
The man who changed the game against Dundee should be rewarded with a start. His assist for the equaliser and strike for the winner got Celtic out of jail.
Daizen Maeda
In the same boat as Engels, another regrettable omission from Saturday’s squad who is likely to be fired straight back into the starting XI.
Junior Adamu
Was alert at the back post for the all-important equaliser against Dundee, showing he has a natural poachers knack, although Tomas Cvancara has also looked impressive since joining in January.