Celtic predicted XI vs Ferencvaros: Three changes as Martin O'Neill ponders Duran dilemma and Hoops number one

After the disappointment of last Sunday, Celtic now return to Europa League action as they host Ferencvaros in matchday one of the league phase.

The 3-0 defeat to Rangers has put more scrutiny on the tactics of manager Martin O’Neill and the Celtic coaching staff. As Celtic now prepare to face their rivals again - this time at home in the league - first they’ll have to navigate a tough test against the Hungarians.

The problem of where to start star striker Camilo Duran has been at the forefront of attention. The Colombian was moved out to the wing at Ibrox to accommodate fellow new marksman Kasper Hogh after he returned from injury, however he looked to carry a lot more threat through the middle himself during the Dane’s absence. Another selection headache to ponder is between the sticks, as Wolves loanee Sam Johnstone snatched the number one jersey from Viljami Sinisalo at Ibrox - but wasn’t at his best.

The manager maintains his full focus is on Thursday night - but with another hugely important derby before the international break, minutes will have to be managed somewhat. With all that in mind, here’s how we think Celtic will set up against Ferencvaros, using the 4-3-3 formation:

GK - Viljami Sinisalo

A dependable figure between the sticks who was unfortunate to lose his place. Johnstone had to grab his opportunity with both hands and failed to do so, therefore the Finn should be back.

RB - Colby Donovan

The only one with ‘pass marks’ against Rangers and has been rewarded for recent performances with his first Scotland call-up.

CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers

A huge player for their European campaign, and domestically, of course. With his injury record he might be one that O’Neill is tempted to partly rest if possible on Thursday.

CB - Liam Scales

He may need to be deployed at left back at some stage but for the time being he looks to be ahead of Auston Trusty in the selection pecking order.

LB - Kieran Tierney

Not at his best of late, but can the Hoops afford to drop him in a game of this magnitude? One of their only options at left and therefore has to start, although it’d be surprising to see him play the full 90,

CM - Callum McGregor

The captain is obviously the first name on the team sheet. However at 33-years of age he needs more help from his midfielders - especially in Europe.

CM - Oliver Sorenson

Replacing Mika Baur, the Danish new signing perhaps gives the Hoops more of a physical presence in the middle of the park they’ve been lacking.

AM - Benjamin Nygren

Four goals and one assist for Celtic’s output machine in last year’s Europa League. He’ll be looking to better that this time around.

RW - Camilo Duran

Not in his natural position, but as the home game against LASK Linz last month proved he can perform on the right too. It’s the only way that Celtic can start their record-breaking signing under the current philosophy.

LW - Haissem Hassan

He’d probably prefer to be on the right, but should that stop a winger with his quality? His direct running can terrify defences regardless of which side he’s on.

ST - Kasper Hogh

Out of form. Out of luck. But he has European pedigree from his time at Bodo Glimt which can’t be sniffed at. Still a starter at this stage but another poor performance could see him dropped for the weekend.

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