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

O’Neill To Make Changes? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Besiktas After a shocking Premiership defeat to Falkirk, Celtic are back in Europe, where they have lost every game so far this season. They will host Besiktas on Thursday night, and a setback against the in-form Turkish side could shatter their play-off qualification hopes, unless they turn things around in the remaining fixtures. Besiktas are going strong in the race for a direct place in the Europa League Round of 16. They have already defeated Marseille and Hoffenheim, then drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace despite being a man down late in the contest. The Hoops have struggled at Parkhead, losing to Ferencváros and Celta Vigo; however, a midweek win against the odds could be significant in terms of reviving their turbulent campaign. Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face  Besiktas Defence Sam Johnstone has replaced Viljami Sinisalo between the sticks, but has failed to impress, with no clean sheet since reclaiming the starting spot. The experienced custodian must lead by example and show his command against the Black Eagles. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 22: Mika Baur of Celtic scores his team’s opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and Real Club Celta at Celtic Park on October 22, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Colby Donovan has emerged as the preferred choice on the right amid Alistair Johnston’s recurring injury problems. Martin O’Neill does not favour Anthony Ralston or Jordan Lotomba. But the uncertainty over Kieran Tierney’s fitness could force the veteran Irishman to rely on Lotomba down the left, given Landon Emenalo’s ineligibility in this competition. Auston Trusty is back with the team after compassionate leave, and the USMNT centre-half, along with Dane Murray, should be among the substitutes as understudies to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales. Midfield Callum McGregor needs to step up his game to compete against the physicality of the Besiktas midfielders. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed a rare start with Falkirk but is likely to make way, with Mika Baur shifting to a deeper role, forming a ‘double pivot’. Benjamin Nygren should be restored to the starting XI for his poaching traits while featuring as an advanced playmaker. Joel van den Berg is not a part of their Europa League squad, and it remains unclear whether Oliver Sorensen would be available after missing the weekend encounter due to a family bereavement. Besides Chamberlain, versatile Luke McCowan could feature from the bench in the centre of the pitch. With Jota ineligible to play in Europe and Yang Hyun-Jun sidelined, O’Neill should bank on Haissem Hassan and Callum Osmand as the wide attacking options. James Forrest and Sebastian Tounekti might get deployed as ‘super subs’ to inject fresh legs high up the pitch. High-flying Camilo Duran must spearhead the attack for his flair, finesse and finishing attributes. Kasper Hogh has been underwhelming since his mega-money summer transfer, but could make a difference as a targetman at some stage in the second half.