Liam Scales recalled, Wilfried Nancy favourite axed – Celtic predicted XI vs Dundee United
Martin O’Neill could be about to axe one of Wilfried Nancy’s biggest favourites as he prepares to take charge of Celtic again this weekend.
The veteran boss oversaw a run of seven wins out of eight games before he stepped aside to let Nancy take over, a run which saw the Bhoys fight their way back into the Premiership title race.
O’Neill is now back at Celtic just over a month since his previous interim tenure ended, and the title race has now become a three-horse affair, with Rangers also resurgent under Danny Rohl.
As a result, this weekend’s game is immediately crucial for O’Neill as he steps back into the dugout, and he faces some big selection decisions ahead of the game.
Johnny Kenny axed as Martin O’Neill reverts back to 4-3-3
Johnny Kenny has left Celtic fans seething with his wastefulness in front of goal in recent weeks, but that wasn’t enough for Nancy to regularly drop him from the team.
The striker became a favourite of Nancy’s as he started in all but two of his domestic assignments during his brief tenure, but it is likely that O’Neill drops him to the bench at the first chance he gets this weekend.
Daizen Maeda is likely to lead the line in a central striker role instead of Kenny, after being forced out wide for the majority of Nancy’s time at the helm.
Elsewhere in the side, Liam Scales is set to be recalled to the starting XI for what will be just his second start in the last five games, as O’Neill looks to get back to his previous favoured partnership at the heart of the defence.
Colby Donovan is set to return at right-back, as O’Neill reverts to the 4-3-3 system that he employed to great success earlier in the campaign.
He is also likely to find places in the XI for Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren, who are both capable of producing quality out of nothing on their day.
Kasper Schmeichel to retain Celtic number one sport under O’Neill
Kasper Schmeichel has been under huge scrutiny at Celtic at times this season, but O’Neill is likely to stand by the gloveman in the earlty stages of his reign.
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that a new goalkeeper addition is a priority for Celtic across the upcoming windows, but for now, it is sensible to show faith in the veteran.
Viljami Sinisalo lacks the experience to truly compete with Schmeichel for the starting spot, and while the former Leicester City man is firmly out of form, he remains a quality shot-stopper on his day.
O’Neill will be hoping that he can motivate the 39-year-old to produce his best form in much better fashion than Nancy was able to.