Celtic kick off their title defence on Saturday afternoon with the traditional Flag Day clash at Celtic Park. St Mirren are the visitors for a 4:30pm start — the same side who held the Hoops to a 1-1 draw on the final day of last season, when James Forrest rescued a point late on.
This time, Brendan Rodgers will want a much stronger performance as the champions look to set the tone early. After a productive pre-season and several key additions, Celtic are expected to field a side that mixes proven quality with fresh hunger.
Here’s the predicted starting XI, broken down by position:
Goalkeeper
Kasper Schmeichel – Expected to start what could be his final season in professional football. The Danish veteran will hope to finish on a high by helping Celtic to more silverware.
Defenders
Alistair Johnston – Steady and aggressive at right-back, always reliable in and out of possession.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – Calm and composed, the leader at the heart of Celtic’s defence.
Liam Scales – Solid last season and fighting to hold off competition from new signing Austin Trusty.
Kieran Tierney – A huge boost for the team and the support. Offers pace, drive and a strong link to the club’s identity.
Midfielders
Callum McGregor – Captain and tempo-setter, key to how Celtic control games.
Reo Hatate – Creative, energetic and always looking to break lines from midfield.
Benjamin Nygren – A more dynamic option than Engels and deserving of a start based on sharp pre-season form.
Attackers
Daizen Maeda – Relentless in the press and dangerous when running at defenders from the left.
Yang Hyun-jun – Tricky and confident, capable of unlocking defences with a moment of skill.
Adam Idah – Starting him early could boost his confidence and get him scoring again. Celtic will want the same impact he had during his loan spell.
This XI gives Celtic a strong platform to begin the campaign. Nygren offers the midfield spark Engels has yet to consistently show, while Tierney’s return is a major lift. Schmeichel enters what could be his final season as a pro, and he’ll be desperate to end it with success.
Up front, Idah’s early involvement could be vital. A good start might reignite the form that made him a fan favourite last spring. All eyes are now on Celtic Park as Rodgers’ men aim to open their title defence in style.
