Despite scripting an immediate promotion, bottom-placed Livingston are expected to go down once again unless they turn things around in their remaining Premiership fixtures. However, things could go even worse on Wednesday night as they will travel to Parkhead to clash heads with Celtic.
The Hoops have a game in hand on Hearts and Rangers, but are playing catch-up in the three-horse title race. A win might not be enough in such favourable fixtures, as they should look to boost the goal difference, particularly after Rangers’ 5-1 win against Kilmarnock in the previous gameweek. Having endured defeats in both meetings so far this season, David Martindale could suffer further misery unless his men pull off a massive upset this midweek.
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Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Livingston
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel, who is nursing a shoulder injury, was rested last weekend in their hard-fought FA Cup fifth-round victory over Dundee. Viljami Sinisalo got the nod against the Dee, but could make way for the veteran Dane if he is fit to feature between the sticks.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Keelan Adams of Falkirk vies with Sebastian Tounekti of Celtic during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on February 01, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Julian Araujo, who has been exquisite down the right since joining on loan from Bournemouth, should keep his place ahead of Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston in the wake of Alistair Johnston’s long-term injury. Benjamin Arthur has been brought in to add defensive depth, but Martin O’Neill must stick with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales in the heart of the backline. Marcelo Saracchi was stellar against Dundee upon his return from injury, and his availability could see Kieran Tierney being rotated on the left, with the Uruguayan likely to be involved as a second-half substitute.
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Midfield
Arne Engels was rested on Sunday, but the high-flying Belgian is expected to be reintegrated alongside the ever-present Callum McGregor. O’Neill must opt for an attacking set-up, deploying Benjamin Nygren as the other ‘number 8′ in his three-man midfield. While McGregor should drive the game from the base as the deep-lying playmaker, Engels’ flexibility would allow the veteran Irishman to switch to a ‘double pivot’ and utilise Nygren’s creativity as an attacking midfielder. Reo Hatate, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan have to wait for their opportunities as they deputise the first-team trio. Meanwhile, the Bhoys have roped in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a Bosman, and the former Liverpool and Arsenal star must be introduced as a ‘super sub’.
Attack
Celtic have bolstered their attack this winter by snapping up Tomas Čvančara, Joel Mvuka and Junior Adamu. The latter came on as a substitute and scored an injury-time equaliser before Sebastian Tounekti’s extra-time winner. Daizen Maeda was rested last weekend, but should reclaim his spot on the left. Yang Hyun-jun must operate from the right, with Čvančara spearheading the attack. James Forrest, Kelechi Iheanacho and Michel-Ange Balikwisha are also there as the alternatives, but have struggled so far with form and fitness woes.
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