Celtic v Motherwell: Predicted XI with Kyogo to start, CCV on bench | OneFootball

Celtic take the short trip to Fir Park to face Motherwell this afternoon. The Scottish Champions will be keen to return to winning ways after back to back draws against Aberdeen and Atalanta. Celtic left it late to beat the Steelmen on their visits to North Lanarkshire last season and will be hoping to continue their excellent away form this year.

With games coming thick and fast, Brendan may be considering rotating some players in order to protect against fatigue and burnout. However, the likelihood is that he will utilise the five subs to address this comcern rather than changing the starting XI too drastically.

Celtic go into the game with the added boost of Cameron Carter-Vickers. The USA Internationalist has been training with a view to returning to the team but missed the trip to Bergamo. The central defender will be in contention to return to the team but you’d imagine that the manager will get him some game time but from the bench. You would, therefore, imagine that the defensive pairing would be the same with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales starting.

Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – UEFA Champions League – Kasper Schmeichel in discussion with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales during the match at Celtic Park on Wednesday September 18, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

Greg Taylor has been training but the game will likely be too soon for the Scotland International. Alex Valle will continue at left back with Alistair Johnston at right back.

There have been plenty calls for Luke McCowan to be handed his first Celtic start but given the competition in the midfield, it is unlikely that the manager will make change too much in the midfield. The midfield three will consist of Callum McGregor, Arne Engels and probably Reo Hatate with Paulo Bernardo and McCowan offering depth.

In attack, the manager will likely return to the preferred trio of Nicolas Kühn, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda with firepower from Idah, Luis Palma, James Forrest and Yang coming from the bench.