The Hoops boss is still searching for his first win since arriving from Columbus Crew
Paulo Bernardo, middle, could be handed a rare start(Image: Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock)
The spotlight will be firmly on Wilfried Nancy as Celtic take to Hampden this weekend.
The Frenchman has raised eyebrows by ripping up Martin O’Neill’s winning formula in favour of a back three – a system that brought him plenty of success in the United States.
It hasn’t been a smooth start in Glasgow for the former Columbus Crew boss. A frantic opening week has seen Nancy become the first Hoops boss to lose his opening two matches, piling early pressure on his shoulders.
Now he faces the task of delivering an early Christmas gift to restless supporters, with a League Cup triumph offering some goodwill.
After naming an unchanged side against Hearts and Roma, Nancy has hinted that changes are coming for this weekend’s showpiece.
Viljami Sinisalo featured earlier in the competition, but Kasper Schmeichel looks a certainty to start at Hampden -a stadium that has caused the Denmark No1 nightmares this year.
The back three picks itself, with Kieran Tierney, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty expected to retain their places. Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan are likely to miss out, with Yang preferred in a wing-back role.
Misfiring Daizen Maeda has recently led the line, but the Japanese livewire could be redeployed at left wing-back against Stephen Robinson’s workhorse St Mirren side.
Captain Callum McGregor will be tasked with dictating play in the middle of the park alongside Reo Hatate and Arne Engels. Paulo Bernardo has pushed his case after an impressive cameo off the bench in midweek and looks a more natural fit than Ben Nygren, who had an all-time stinker against Roma.
Up top, Kelechi Iheanacho’s return will be a major boost for Nancy, who has carefully integrated him back into the team after a two-month injury lay-off.
Check out Record Sport’s line-up below.
Predicted Celtic XI
How Celtic could shape up vs St MirrenProvisional Celtic squad
Goalkeepers
Kasper SchmeichelViljami SinisaloRoss Doohan
Defenders
Anthony RalstonAuston TrustyLiam ScalesKieran TierneyColby DonovanDane Murray
Midfielders
Callum McGregorArne EngelsPaulo BernardoLuke McCowanReo HatateBenjamin NygrenMichel-Ange Balikwisha
Forwards
Sebastian TounektiYangDaizen MaedaJohnny KennyKelechi Iheanacho