Celtic predicted XI vs Dunfermline Athletic - Kelechi Iheanacho’s form to be rewarded

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

22 May 2026, 4:30 am

Celtic are set to play Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday in the Scottish Cup final.

The Hoops are aiming to complete a domestic double after winning the Scottish Premiership title last weekend.

Martin O’Neill’s side no doubt go in as the favourites, with Dunfermline only being a Scottish Championship side.

O’Neill is also looking to bow out of the job on a high, with the 74-year-old expected to depart from his manager role after the match.

Therefore, he will be aiming to get his starting XI right and a return for Kelechi Iheanacho is expected in the crucial Celtic clash.

Kelechi Iheanacho to make Celtic return vs Dunfermline Athletic

Iheanacho has mainly been used as a super substitute in recent weeks for Celtic.

However, with many of his recent performances being excellent, O’Neill is expected to give him a start in what could be his last appearance for the Hoops on Saturday.

Credit: Breaking Media

Therefore, Celtic should go with the same backline, with Viljami Sinisalo in goal, Alistair Johnston and Kieran Tierney as the full-backs and Auston Trusty and Liam Scales as the centre-backs.

In midfield, Arne Engels partners Callum McGregor, while Benjamin Nygren remains at the attacking midfielder.

Daizen Maeda is pushed out onto the left wing, with Iheanacho going up top, while Hyun-Jun Yang keeps his place on the right wing.

Will the Scottish Cup final also be Daizen Maeda’s last Celtic game?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Celtic will not stand in the way of a Maeda exit this summer.

The striker was fundamental in the final matches of the Scottish Premiership season as the Hoops won the league.

However, with his contract set to expire in 2027, and no hope of the attacker renewing his deal, the club are open to a sale.

Maeda’s dream is to play in the Premier League, and multiple sides from the English top-flight are reportedly interested in the Japan international.

Nevertheless, Celtic transfer plans are set to be dictated by their new manager. Therefore, an exit is unlikely to be sealed until someone is hired and after he stars at the World Cup for his country.

Regardless, it appears that Maeda’s Celtic career is set to end in the coming months, with the Scottish Cup final likely to be his final game for the Hoops.

Celtic

Kelechi Iheanacho