Celtic vs Beşiktaş Predicted Lineups and Team News
Celtic welcome Beşiktaş to Celtic Park in the UEFA Europa League league stage, with both sides looking to make an early statement in the group-style “League Stage - 4” round. The Scottish champions start this phase effectively from scratch in continental terms, listed 9th in the overall league ranking table with 0 points and no games played yet. That makes this home fixture a crucial opportunity to build momentum and show they can compete with one of the form sides in the competition.
Beşiktaş arrive in Glasgow with strong underlying numbers and excellent recent form. They sit 5th in the Europa League ranking table, also on 0 points and 0 games played in this phase, but their broader record is impressive: five wins and one defeat across their last six league fixtures, with 8 goals scored and just 1 conceded. Their league form string “WWWWWL” underlines how dangerous they can be. With both teams starting level on points, predicted lineups and the expected starting lineup choices will be decisive in tilting the balance.
With no official team sheets available yet, this preview focuses on analytically predicted lineups built from the registered squads, recent usage patterns, and key player impact. The aim is to project the most realistic starting lineup for both Celtic and Beşiktaş and assess how those lineups today are likely to shape the tactical battle at Celtic Park.
Celtic Team News & Expected Lineups Today
There are no recorded injuries or suspensions for Celtic in the available data, so the assumption is a full squad at the manager’s disposal. With no significant absences reported, selection will be driven by tactical preference rather than necessity. Celtic’s ranking of 9th in the Europa League table, combined with a clean slate in terms of matches played, suggests they will approach this as a statement game, leaning on experience at the back and energy in midfield.
Given the lack of recent Europa League form data for Celtic, the expected approach is a balanced, slightly front-foot setup that still respects Beşiktaş’s attacking threat. The manager is likely to favour a compact defensive block built around established defenders such as C. Carter-Vickers and L. Scales, with creativity and ball progression coming from C. McGregor and A. Oxlade-Chamberlain in midfield. In attack, a focal point like K. Høgh supported by mobile wide forwards such as B. Nygren and C. Durán looks the most logical expected structure.
Celtic Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup
Predicted Starting XI:
GK: V. Sinisalo
DF: A. Johnston; C. Carter-Vickers; L. Scales; K. Tierney
MF: C. McGregor; A. Oxlade-Chamberlain; O. Sørensen; Yang Hyun-Jun; L. McCowan
FW: K. Høgh
This predicted starting lineup leans heavily on Celtic’s most experienced spine. V. Sinisalo is the logical choice in goal as the primary numbered keeper (1), with a back line that combines defensive solidity and attacking thrust from full-back. A. Johnston and K. Tierney can both push high and wide, giving Celtic width in possession and allowing the two centre-backs, C. Carter-Vickers and L. Scales, to hold a stable base.
In midfield, C. McGregor is expected to operate as the central organiser, recycling possession and dictating tempo. A. Oxlade-Chamberlain adds ball-carrying and shooting threat from deeper areas, while O. Sørensen offers legs and pressing in the middle third. Yang Hyun-Jun and L. McCowan give Celtic creativity between the lines and from wide positions, capable of drifting inside to combine with the striker. Up front, K. Høgh profiles as the natural central forward, providing a target for crosses and a reference point to occupy Beşiktaş’s centre-backs. With no specific Europa League top scorers listed from Celtic, the threat is expected to be shared across these attacking and advanced midfield roles.
Beşiktaş Team News & Expected Lineups Today
Beşiktaş also have no documented injuries or suspensions in the current data, meaning they can select from a full-strength squad. That is significant given their strong recent record: 5 wins from their last 6 league fixtures, 8 goals scored and just 1 conceded, plus 5 clean sheets in that period. With such form, the manager is unlikely to deviate too far from the core that has delivered results, especially in a high-profile away tie. The lineups today should reflect continuity, with only minor tweaks for rotation or tactical reasons.
The Turkish side’s league profile shows a balanced yet efficient attack and an exceptionally tight defence. They have typically used shapes built around a solid back four and a structured midfield. With a top Europa League scorer and creator in O. Kökçü and a key defensive presence in Tiago Djaló, the expected lineup will aim to control central areas and transition quickly. The likely plan at Celtic Park is to remain compact, press selectively, and rely on their midfield quality and clinical forwards to exploit spaces on the break.
Beşiktaş Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup
Predicted Starting XI:
GK: A. Nübel
DF: E. Agbadou; Tiago Djaló; A. Murillo; R. Yılmaz
MF: W. Ndidi; S. Özcan; O. Kökçü; K. Yılmaz; V. Černý
FW: D. Vlahović
This predicted lineup mirrors Beşiktaş’s recent preference for a strong defensive core and a technically gifted midfield. In goal, A. Nübel is the standout senior option. The back line is anchored by Tiago Djaló, who appears among the Europa League’s notable defensive contributors and card recipients, underlining his aggressive, front-foot style. He is paired with A. Murillo for experience and aerial presence, while E. Agbadou and R. Yılmaz provide balance and the ability to defend wide spaces.
In midfield, W. Ndidi and S. Özcan form a robust double pivot, screening the defence and winning second balls. Ahead of them, O. Kökçü is central to Beşiktaş’s attacking identity: he is listed among the top Europa League scorers with 2 goals and also appears in the top assists chart, making him the key creative hub. K. Yılmaz and V. Černý can operate from the flanks or as advanced midfielders, supplying width, crossing quality, and late runs into the box. Up front, D. Vlahović is the natural choice as the main striker, offering penalty-box presence and finishing ability, supported by the service from Kökçü and the wide players.
Injuries and Suspended Players Impact
With no injuries or suspensions listed for either side, squad availability is not expected to distort the tactical picture. Both managers can select their strongest possible XIs and adjust in-game with a full bench of alternatives. That raises the level of this contest, as the outcome will be determined more by tactical execution and individual quality than by enforced absences.
Celtic Absences:
- No significant absences reported.
Beşiktaş Absences:
- No significant absences reported.
Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up
The predicted lineups suggest a clash between Celtic’s home-driven attacking intent and Beşiktaş’s structured, in-form unit. Celtic’s back four, with full-backs A. Johnston and K. Tierney pushing forward, will try to pin Beşiktaş’s wide players deep and create overloads on the flanks. However, this naturally leaves spaces behind, which Beşiktaş’s quick transitions can exploit, especially through V. Černý and K. Yılmaz attacking the channels, and O. Kökçü threading passes into D. Vlahović.
In midfield, the duel between C. McGregor and A. Oxlade-Chamberlain on one side and W. Ndidi, S. Özcan, and O. Kökçü on the other is likely to decide control of the game. Celtic will look to dominate possession at home, but Beşiktaş’s numbers indicate they are comfortable without the ball, relying on a high defensive efficiency (only 1 goal conceded in their last 6 league matches) and rapid vertical attacks. Celtic’s attacking trio of Yang Hyun-Jun, L. McCowan, and K. Høgh must find ways to drag Tiago Djaló and A. Murillo out of their comfort zones, while also being wary of turnovers that can instantly turn into Beşiktaş counters. If Celtic can sustain pressure without being exposed in transition, they can make their home advantage count; if not, Beşiktaş’s superior recent form and clinical edge may tilt the balance.
Match Prediction and Verdict
The prediction model rates this fixture as extremely balanced, assigning Celtic a 33% chance to win, the draw at 33%, and Beşiktaş also at 33%. With no clear favourite and no goals prediction provided, the data effectively frames this as a genuine three-way contest. Celtic’s home environment and full squad are positives, but Beşiktaş’s recent form – five wins from six, with strong attacking and defensive metrics – suggests they are better prepared competitively.
Given the evenly split win probabilities and Beşiktaş’s proven ability to keep games tight, a low-scoring draw appears the most reasonable call. Celtic’s predicted lineup has enough quality to breach even a well-organised defence once, but Beşiktaş’s attacking structure built around O. Kökçü and D. Vlahović should also produce chances. With the model not favouring either side, siding with a share of the points aligns best with the available numbers.
Predicted Outcome: Celtic 1–1 Beşiktaş
How to Watch Celtic vs Beşiktaş Worldwide
Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:
- Spain: Local sports broadcaster / streaming platform
- UK: Major pay-TV sports channel or official UEFA streaming partner
- USA / North America: Regional soccer network or dedicated streaming service
- South America: Continental sports network or national broadcasters
- MENA: Regional satellite sports network or licensed streaming platform
