O’Neill To Make Defensive Changes? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United

O’Neill To Make Defensive Changes? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United After a disappointing Europa League defeat to Benfica, Celtic returned to winning ways last weekend, travelling to Edinburgh to grab a narrow 2-1 league win over bottom-placed Hibernian. The Hoops return to action on Wednesday night, with Dundee United set to visit Parkhead to face the reigning Premiership champions. The Tangerines suffered a dreadful 4-0 defeat when they hosted Celtic in the League Cup earlier this season. However, they won two of their last three league meetings, and the ongoing five-game unbeaten streak should boost their confidence this midweek. Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Dundee United Defence Martin O’Neill has dropped Viljami Sinisalo for Sam Johnstone in goal, and the veteran Englishman is expected to keep his starting spot after back-to-back starts against Benfica and Hibernian. DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – MARCH 22: Colby Donovan of Celtic controls the ball under pressure from Will Ferry of Dundee United during the William Hill Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic at Tannadice Park on March 22, 2026 in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images) Rushing Alistair Johnston into action resulted in a fresh injury concern for the Canadian right-back. He was introduced as a second-half substitute upon Colby Donovan’s exit due to a potential knock, but was forced to leave the pitch 21 minutes later. The gaffer might rely on summer signing Jordan Lotomba ahead of Anthony Ralston on the right, with fit-again Cameron Carter-Vickers potentially replacing Dane Murray to partner with Liam Scales in the heart of the backline. Kieran Tierney must keep his place on the left, as he remains the preferred option despite Landon Emenalo’s arrival from Chelsea on a season-long loan. Midfield Celtic have found stability deep in the midfield following Mika Baur’s arrival from Paderborn as Arne Engels’ successor. The high-flying German international has formed a ‘double pivot’ with skipper Callum McGregor, but is more comfortable with down-the-middle runs and box-to-box movements rather than marshalling the defence and breaking up play as a ‘number 6’. Benjamin Nygren has been lethal as an advanced playmaker with his goals and assists, yet his lack of work ethic has often drawn criticism. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Oliver Sorensen, Luke McCowan and Joël van den Berg could feature from the bench, showcasing their flexibility in various midfield roles. With Yang Hyun-jun sidelined with a hamstring strain, Callum Osmand should start again from the left if declared fit before the contest. Haissem Hassan must return to the starting XI and reclaim his spot on the right. James Forrest, Jota and Sebastian Tounekti might grab some minutes as second-half substitutes.