Celtic predicted XI vs AC Milan as returning World Cup stars enter the fold for final pre-season friendly
Here’s how we think Martin O’Neill will set up his starting XI against the seven-time European Cup winner
Hoops boss Martin O’Neill will have a few more options for his squad in their final pre-season friendly against AC Milan as Celtic’s World Cup stars return to the action.
Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Sebastian Tounekti and Yang Hyun-jun have returned to training after being knocked out in the group stages, while Alistair Johnston, Benjamin Nygren and Auston Trusty - who progressed further in the tournament are also within selection contention. Because of this, we could see a completely different set up to the sides that’ve faced Shelbourne, Sporting Lisbon and Middlesbrough over the past fortnight.
Celtic will face the European powerhouse on Saturday at the traditional popular kick off time of 3:00pm (BST). However after the boycott in the last match against Boro, which saw only 7,000 Hoops fans in the stands of Parkhead, after further frustrations with the board regarding recruitment failings have surfaced since, another diminished crowd is to be expected.
On the pitch, it’s the last chance O’Neill to make any tactical adjustments or experiment with fresh personnel before the season officially gets underway at the same venue against Dundee on August 1. With new faces in selection contention, here’s how we think the Celtic boss will set up his team against AC Milan:
GK - Viljami Sinisalo
Finnish stopper still has very little competition as Hoops’ number one with only Ross Doohan as a viable other option.
RB - Alistair Johnston
Maybe too soon for the Canadian, but he’ll be the first choice right back for as long as he’s at the club. Saturday should no different with the domestic season just around the corner.
CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers
Played an hour in the previous two friendlies as he gets some much-needed minutes under his belt for the campaign ahead after last season’s nasty ACL blow.
CB - Liam Scales
With Trusty only just back, the Irishman is expected to get the nod to keep the defence balanced. Should be back to his favoured role at the heart of the defence after filling in at left back against Boro.
LB - Kieran Tierney
Back from international duty and suitably recharged for the season ahead. Celtic fans will be praying he can stay fit for as long as possible.
CM - Callum McGregor
Despite links to Saudi, the captain maintains he is focused for the season ahead.
CM - Luke McCowan
Has looked sharp during pre-season and bagged a nice assist against Boro. With Arne Engels and Reo Hatate on the way out, he can perhaps brace himself for more minutes this season.
CM - Sean McArdle
Deployed out wide in their last outing and didn’t look out of place in the starting XI. Potentially a young talent O’Neill is trying to slowly bed into the team.
RW - Yang Hyun-jun
Back from the World Cup, the energy of the Korean has been something Celtic have lacked in the last couple of fixture.
LW - Sebastian Tounekti
The resident super-sub will also need some minutes under his belt after a lengthy break. With Daizen Maeda on the way out, he may need to step it up a gear this season.
ST - Camilo Duran
Scored two in two and looks sharp whenever he picks the ball up in the box. Early signs are there the £6m man could be a success.