Celtic unfurl the Scottish Premiership flag at Celtic Park this evening as they begin the defence of their title against Dundee, with Martin O'Neill determined to add to last season's success. The champions secured their 56th league crown last term, but the 76-year-old Irishman has made clear his hunger for more trophies.
Team News and Lineups
Celtic have handed debuts to new signings Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran, with both forwards starting. The team lines in full: Sinisalo, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney, McGregor (c), Engels, Nygren, Yang, Duran, Hogh. Subs: Doohan, McCowan, Tounekti, Osmand, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Donovan.
Dundee boss Steven Pressley, a former Celtic defender, has named his side: Goodman, Odutayo, Astley, O. Bevan, Wright, Finnigan, Murray (c), Reilly, Westley, J. Bevan, Hamilton. Subs: O'Hara, Halliday, Robertson, Hay, Forrest, Besir, Oosenbrugh, Crombie, Bland.
O'Neill's Tactical Approach
O'Neill had hinted at tactical tweaks to accommodate both new strikers, but it appears he has stuck with the familiar 4-3-3 formation. Yang, fresh from his World Cup displays with South Korea, starts on the wing alongside Duran, with Hogh leading the line through the middle. There is potential for Benjamin Nygren to push forward and form a front four, but 4-3-3 is the expected shape.
Dundee's Challenge
Dundee have not won at Celtic Park in 25 years, when a double from the late Fabian Caballero secured a 2-0 victory despite having a man sent off. That remains a hoodoo Pressley's young side will hope to break, though they are without several key players from last season, including Cameron Congreve, Jon McCracken, and Luke Graham.
Pressley has warned of 'pain ahead' given the departures, but he believes a fearless performance would be a win in itself. He said many teams are intimidated by Celtic Park and are often beaten before a ball is kicked.
Transfer Activity and European Ambitions
Celtic have spent a combined £17million on Duran and Hogh, but fans are calling for more reinforcements ahead of their Champions League playoff against LASK. The club must register their European squad by August 14. Meanwhile, there are concerns over the futures of key players like Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels, with big-money bids expected.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Shay Given has urged the board to back O'Neill further, saying: "I just hope they can recruit a couple more players. They signed a new striker this week, Kasper Høgh, but I still think they need to strengthen a bit more."
Title Race and Odds
Celtic are heavy favourites to retain their title, priced at 8/13 with Betfair, while Rangers are 13/8 under new manager Derek McInnes. For tonight's match, Celtic are 2/13 to win, with Dundee at 14/1. Hearts are 12/1, Aberdeen 50/1, Hibs 100/1, and Motherwell 125/1.
Rangers dropped points at Tannadice on Friday, giving Celtic an early chance to open a gap. The flag ceremony will honour last season's success, but O'Neill's focus is firmly on the future.
