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Predicted Celtic starting XI to face Hearts as 5 changes made

Predicted Celtic starting XI to face Hearts as 5 changes made

Jamie Kemble
The Celtic Bhoys
Jamie Kemble

Celtic return to action on Sunday when they face third-placed Hearts at home in the first meeting between these two sides since the title decider on the last day of last season.

The Hoops were battered by Benfica in the Europa League during the week, while Hearts drew in the Conference League. Both teams were comfortable winners last time out in the league.

Ahead of the game, we have rounded up the likely Celtic starting XI for this one.

GK - Viljami Sinisalo

Sinisalo didn't have a great game against Benfica, but it's not the time to be panicking and chopping and changing. Sinisalo remains a better option than Johnstone.

LB - Liam Scales

It would be a huge surprise to see Tierney play three games in a week. Expect Scales to come in here, although Landon Emenalo and Jordan Latomba are also options.

CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers

Carter-Vickers wasn't risked during the week, but Celtic need him back here. His experience and physicality was missed in Lisbon.

CB - Auston Trusty

The same goes for Trusty, who missed the last league game. He hasn't been ultra-consistent this season, but he remains a stronger option than Dane Murray.

RB - Colby Donovan

Lotomba will be pushing for a start, but this is an important game for Celtic, so it's likely O'Neill will keep trust in what he knows with Donova. Alistair Johnston isn't yet ready to return.

CDM - Callum Mcgregor

Again, expect O'Neill to go with the tried and tested, although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also an option.

CDM - Mika Baur

Baur has played very well for Celtic in league games, and it's expected he will start here to give Celtic some ball-playing ability in the middle.

CAM - Benjamin Nygren

Nygren was dropped for the last game, which is no surprise given his lack of overall contribution within games, but Celtic still depend on his creativity, and he is likely to play here.

RW - Haissem Hassan

Hassan looked sharp after coming on against Benfica, and he is likely to have done enough to earn a start in this one, especially with the likely change up top.

LW - Callum Osmand

Osmand came on for Tounekti during the week, and at half-time, no less. O'Neill has likely seen enough of Tounekti for now, and Osmand worked hard in that second half despite not being a natural winger. Jota and Yang Hyun-jun are not likely to be deemed ready to start as they work towards full strength.

CF - Camilo Durán

Kasper Hogh was subbed at half-time during the week, and it's clear that O'Neill's patience with the underperforming striker is wearing thing. Expect Durán to start up top here.

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Predicted Celtic starting XI to face Hearts as 5 changes made