Celtic will pause their quest to fight back against Hearts’ Scottish Premiership title challenge with a Scottish Cup tie this weekend.
Dundee are the visitors to Celtic Park, but things are not looking too good off the pitch.
A statement from the Celtic Fans Collective called for a boycott of the game as part of their ongoing protests against the board.
In response to that, interim chief executive Brian Wilson addressed supporters in a sit-down interview, but still managed to sidestep some of their most important concerns.
Even though the midweek fixture against Aberdeen was postponed, this is a chance for Martin O’Neill to rotate and give some minutes to new faces and rest others who have played a lot of football.
Celtic’s recent Scottish Cup record
- 2016/17: Winners
- 2017/18: Winners
- 2018/19: Winners
- 2019/20: Winners
- 2020/21: Fourth Round
- 2021/22: Semi-Finals
- 2022/23: Winners
- 2023/24: Winners
- 2024/25: Runners-up
Martin O’Neill should start the three deadline day arrivals
Three signings were brought in on transfer deadline day and were likely to start on the bench against Aberdeen.
Although this cup game is important, this is a perfect chance to get them up to speed and adjust to O’Neill’s style of play.
Benjamin Arthur at centre-back, Joel Mvuka on the right wing and then Junior Adamu up top will give the squad a fresh injection of life while also taking the strain off others who have played lots of football in the past.
This will also be a chance for those coming back from injury to be given a chance. Marcelo Saracchi and Kelechi Iheanacho could do with some more minutes, although the former may not be ready for game time.
How Celtic should line up against Dundee
Viljami Sinisalo will be expected to deputise in goal ahead of Kasper Schmeichel, as is the usual practice in cup competitions.
Anthony Ralston comes into the right back slot while the back four will consist of Auston Trusty and new signing Arthur alongside him. Kieran Tierney will be rested, meaning that young Colby Donovan can come into the fold.
Callum has named his Celtic XI to face Dundee. What would yous look like?
Callum McGregor will always play and that won’t change. There will be a bit of shuffling in the pack though, with Reo Hatate replacing Benjamin Nygren and Luke McCowan picked ahead of Arne Engels.
To complete the lineup, the left wing position will be occupied by Sebastian Tounekti while fellow new arrivals Adamu and Mvuka complete the side.
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