Wilfried Nancy could introduce a few unexpected calls when naming his starting line-up for the Premier Sports Cup final.
The Celtic boss has hinted that changes may be on the way following a difficult opening spell in charge. With his first victory — and first piece of silverware — on the line against St Mirren, the pressure is already building on the Frenchman.
Despite outside noise suggesting his position could come under scrutiny if the final ends in defeat, former Hoops striker Chris Sutton has strongly criticised the negativity surrounding Nancy’s early tenure.
After a run of underwhelming displays, attention has turned to how the 48-year-old reshapes his side for the showpiece occasion.
Nancy set to rethink wing-back approach
Nancy has made no secret of his desire to use wing-backs, but the lack of natural options in those roles has caused problems. James McPake highlighted Sebastian Tounekti and Hyunjun Yang after neither managed to impress across the opening two matches.
Colby Donovan appeared more comfortable when deployed there, while Kieran Tierney is another option — though that would require reshuffling the back line to cover the left centre-back position.
There have also been concerns in midfield. Record signing Arne Engels has struggled to find his footing, while Benjamin Nygren endured a particularly tough outing against Roma.
Kasper Schmeichel is expected to retain his place in goal, with a back three of Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Dane Murray — the latter stepping in for Tierney.
Tierney is not expected to drop out of the side entirely, however, and is tipped to replace Tounekti at left wing-back. On the opposite flank, Donovan is predicted to get the nod ahead of Yang.
Captain Callum McGregor is set to partner Paulo Bernardo in midfield, a significant moment for the Portugal Under-21 international. Reo Hatate is likely to be handed another opportunity, while Daizen Maeda and Kelechi Iheanacho could lead the line after Iheanacho’s impressive cameo in midweek caught the eye.
With pressure mounting and a trophy at stake, Nancy’s selection choices could prove decisive as Celtic look to reset their season in the League Cup final.
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