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Celtic Predicted XI vs Celta Vigo: O’Neill’s Big Calls

Celtic return to Europa League action tonight against Celta Vigo, and after Sunday’s 7-1 demolition of Hearts, Martin O’Neill has a fairly compelling argument for keeping faith with the same eleven players.

The Hoops have lost their opening two European fixtures against Ferencváros and Benfica, leaving them badly needing a result at Celtic Park.

Celtic's Callum Osmand takes the ball past Benfica's Alexander Bah as Martin O'Neill watches in Lisbon
Celtic’s Callum Osmand takes the ball past Benfica’s Alexander Bah as Celtic’s head coach Martin O’Neill watches during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between SL Benfica and Celtic in Lisbon, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Thursday night’s 8pm kick-off is an opportunity to get their European campaign moving, but O’Neill also has several injury concerns to contend with.

See all the Celtic kick-off times and TV channels in one place.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are not yet ready to return, while Auston Trusty has also been ruled out due to the sad passing of his father.

That makes the defensive selection relatively straightforward.

Viljami Sinisalo should continue in goal, with Colby Donovan at right-back, Kieran Tierney on the left and Dane Murray partnering Liam Scales in central defence.

Murray has been thrown into some difficult situations this season, the defender had a nightmare in Lisbon last week and will hope to atone.

Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Celta Vigo

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Viljami Sinisalo

Defence: Colby Donovan, Dane Murray, Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney

Midfield: Callum McGregor, Mika Baur, Benjamin Nygren

Attack: Haissem Hassan, Camilo Durán, Callum Osmand

Big Decisions in Celtic’s Attack

The temptation after scoring seven against Hearts must be to leave the attacking unit alone.

Callum Osmand deserves another opportunity on the left, provided he has fully recovered from the hamstring concern that saw him withdrawn at half-time on Sunday.

Haissem Hassan should retain his place on the opposite flank. Both players offer something Celtic have too often lacked in Europe: direct running and a willingness to attack defenders.

That would leave Seb Tounékti on the bench or out the squad again, which would be the right call based on recent performances.

Celtic's Camilo Duran celebrates scoring their side's sixth goal during the Premiership match at Celtic Park
Celtic’s Camilo Duran celebrates scoring their side’s sixth goal during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday October 18, 2026.

There is also a decision to make through the middle, where Kasper Høgh remains an option. However, Camilo Durán’s movement and attacking threat give him the edge for this one.

In midfield, Callum McGregor anchors the side alongside Mika Baur and Benjamin Nygren. All three started against Hearts, and there is little reason to change a combination that worked so effectively.

O’Neill has already stressed the importance of getting a victory after Celtic’s poor start to the Europa League league phase.

A 7-1 win domestically does not suddenly solve Celtic’s European problems, but it should at least provide a bit of confidence.

For once, the team selection doesn’t need to be complicated.

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