Celtic play their final match in the USA on Saturday with a test against English Premier League side Chelsea.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have been in fine form across the Atlantic. They easily dispatched DC United with a 4-0 scoreline before edging out Manchester City in a 4-3 thriller.
While the focus of these matches is always on fitness and building towards games that matter, with the Scottish Premiership starting next weekend, it’s still been pleasing to see the team working hard and full of confidence.
The Chelsea game, live on network TV in the USA, is another great chance for Celtic to impress as Rodgers puts the finishing touches to his pre-season preparations.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is in line to return after missing out on the previous two matches, while Nicolas Kuhn has shaken off a knee issue to take part in pre-match training.
Maik Nawrocki remains unavailable with a calf injury. Alistair Johnston is not yet officially back in training after his Copa America exploits.
Potential Celtic team vs Chelsea
Kasper Schmeichel looks set to continue in goal after impressing on his debut against City, twice denying Erling Haaland with strong stops in the first half.
A back four of Anthony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor is possible – which is also the defensive line that could face Kilmarnock next weekend.
Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate remain the strongest midfield trio. However, Tomoki Iwata and Odin Holm are available if Rodgers feels their match fitness needs a boost.
In attack, it’d be great to see Nicolas Kuhn build on an electric performance against City. Daizen Maeda was sharp too and could do with more minutes.
Kyogo Furuhashi has had a lot of football in pre-season, more than anyone, but is Celtic’s only recognised striker right now so should get the nod again.
Many substitutions are expected regardless of who gets the nod in the initial starting eleven.
Your predicted XI in full is: Schmeichel, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo.
How to watch Celtic vs Chelsea, kick-off time
Saturday’s match kicks off at 9pm in Scotland, which is 4pm local stadium time in Indiana. Thankfully, it’s a more reasonable hour than the middle-of-the-night affairs against City and DC United.
Global subscribers to the club’s Celtic TV service can watch live coverage, even if you’re within the often blocked-out UK & Ireland region.
Other options for fans at home have been announced too. Celtic have announced a pay-per-view stream of the match for £8.99, while Chelsea are selling one for £4.99.
Dozens of broadcasters around the world are carrying a live broadcast of the match too including ABC in America, Paramount+ in Australia and Disney+ in countries across South America.
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