Duran To Lead The Line? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee

Duran To Lead The Line? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee Despite a slow start in the transfer market, Celtic are prioritising quality over quantity, having snapped up Kasper Høgh from Bodo/Glimt in a club-record deal. They are closing in on a few other names, but the focus must shift to Monday night’s season-opener, as the champions would kick-start their title defence by hosting Dundee at Parkhead. Rangers’ draw with Dundee United is already a boost for the Hoops, as they could secure a two-point cushion over their bitter rivals from gameweek 1. Apart from last year’s defeat at Dens Park, Celtic have dominated this fixture over the years. They should stretch the winning streak, even though the squad requires reinforcements in certain areas. Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee Defence While the search is on for a new custodian, Viljami Sinisalo should retain the ‘number 1’ status, having helped the Bhoys clinch a ‘domestic double’ following Kasper Schmeichel’s career-ending shoulder injury. Alistair Johnston has emerged as a transfer target for Everton. But the Canadian right-back must keep his place over Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston, unless a deal is struck over the weekend. Liam Scales is carrying a suspension from last season, and the gaffer Martin O’Neill should rely on the USMNT pair Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty in the heart of the backline. Kieran Tierney would feature from the left, as the club are in the hunt for his understudy after failing to keep hold of Marcelo Saracchi. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 25: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan fouled by Luke McCowan of Celtic during the Celtic v AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on July 25, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images) Midfield Celtic have rejected an approach from West Ham for Arne Engels. But the in-demand Belgian might part ways before the window is slammed shut in a month. He should be involved for the time being, alongside skipper Callum McGregor, as they must control the game from the base as the ‘double pivot’. Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo are surplus to requirements, thus leaving O’Neill with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as the only other long-term option in the centre of the pitch. Benjamin Nygren, currently nursing a minor Achilles tendon issue, might miss the Dundee contest. Versatile Luke McCowan could be deployed as an advanced playmaker against his former club, and the club must bolster the wide attacking spots, particularly after Daizen Maeda’s departure. Yang Hyun-jun, back from an extended break following his World Cup engagement with South Korea, is unlikely to be deployed straightaway down the right-hand flank. James Forrest should get the nod after finding the net against AC Milan in their latest friendly. Sebastian Tounekti is expected to operate from the left until the Celts rope in a new winger. Attack Camilo Duran has impressed as a ‘number 9’ in their pre-season outings, and the former Qarabag hitman must spearhead the attack, with Høgh grabbing some minutes as a second-half substitute. Callum Osmand might also be introduced from the bench, as the former Fulham youngster depicted his poaching traits in limited appearances.