Celtic commence their Scottish Premiership campaign with the visit of Dundee on Monday night.
Despite a tumultuous campaign which saw Brendan Rodgers depart and Wilfried Nancy endure a miserable 33-day stint, Martin O'Neill accumulated enough points across his two interim spells to ensure Celtic won the title as they conquered Hearts on a dramatic final day.
Despite repeatedly stressing he had no interest in continuing beyond the previous campaign, O'Neill remains in charge for the forthcoming season and the 74-year-old will be eager to see the Bhoys reassert themselves as Scotland's unstoppable force.
They will be encouraged by the results across the opening weekend of the new season, with Rangers dropping points at Tannadice against Dundee United and last year's runners-up Hearts succumbing to a late defeat against Aberdeen.
O'Neill's selection for Celtic's final pre-season friendly against Milan provides some indication of the team he might field against Dundee on Monday.
Viljami Sinisalo is now Celtic's undisputable number one following the retirement of Kasper Schmeichel, but it's his back four that will be of interest. Liam Scales is suspended, leaving Dane Murray and Auston Trusty to battle for a centre-back berth alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, of which the former is likely to win out.
With Alistair Johnston on the verge of departing, the impressive Colby Donovan may get the nod over Anthony Ralston at right-back, while Kieran Tierney is a shoo-in at left-back.
Johnston is not the only player currently the subject of exit talks as a number of English clubs have formed a queue for Arne Engels. Celtic rejected a bid from West Ham for the Belgium midfielder and despite the distraction of a possible transfer, Engels is likely to accompany Callum McGregor and Luke McCowan in midfield.
O'Neill hinted at a possible change in shape to accomodate Celtic's new strikers - Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh - by going two up top.
The Celtic boss is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 system for the time being, with Duran capable of operating on either flank. It's likely the Colombian will play off the left with club record signing Hogh playing central, and James Forrest supporting from the right.
Celtic v Dundee match info
Match | Celtic v Dundee |
Competition | Scottish Premiership |
Venue | Celtic Park |
Date | Monday 3rd August 2026 |
Kick-off time | 19:30 BST |
Odds |
Predicted Celtic team to play Dundee
(4-3-3): Viljami Sinisalo; Colby Donovan, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Dane Murray, Kieran Tierney; Callum McGregor, Luke McCowan, Arne Engels; James Forrest, Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran.
