Celtic Launch League Cup Campaign Against Dundee United

Martin O’Neill is back on the touchline tonight as Celtic launch their League Cup campaign away to Dundee United – and he has wasted no time freshening up a winning side.

A week on from that 5-1 dismantling of Kilmarnock in the SPFL, O’Neill has made four changes for the trip to Tannadice, signalling both rotation and a ruthless demand for standards.

Liam Scales returns to the back line, with Sebastian Tounekti and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain handed starts, while Colby Donovan also comes into the XI. Dropping out from last weekend’s starters are Arne Engels, Alistair Johnston, Kieran Tierney and Yang.

The reshuffle gives Celtic a slightly different look across the pitch. Donovan is named from the off, with Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers alongside Scales offering a strong defensive core in front of goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo. Captain Callum McGregor anchors midfield with Oxlade-Chamberlain, as Taha Ayari Nygren, Durán and Tounekti support Høgh in attack.

On the bench, there is early intrigue for supporters. New Bhoys Haissem and Hassan are both among the substitutes, joined by Mika Baur, who completed his move to the champions during the week and is included in a competitive matchday squad for the first time.

Celtic XI at Tannadice:

Sinisalo; Donovan, Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Scales; McGregor, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Nygren, Durán, Tounekti; Høgh.

Subs:

Doohan, McCowan, Hassan, Osmand, Baur, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Kick-off against Dundee United is at 5.45pm at Tannadice, where O’Neill’s return to the dugout meets the first real test of Celtic’s squad depth in this season’s hunt for silverware.