Celtic host AC Milan in their final pre-season friendly of the summer. Here’s all you need to know about where to watch, team news, and who could start for the Hoops.
The Hoops began their preparations in Ireland as they drew 1-1 with Shelbourne.
They then flew to Portugal for a warm-weather training camp before taking on Sporting CP, which they lost 4-1.
Martin O’Neill’s side returned to Celtic Park for the first time since their title win over Hearts in May.
Middlesbrough were the opponents as the sides played out a 1-1 draw.
New arrival Camilo Duran has shown glimpses of what he can offer, having scored in Portugal and at Parkhead last weekend in his first two games.
In less positive news, the attendance was incredibly low. Middlesbrough brought around 5,000 fans, while there seemed to be roughly 7,000/8,000 home supporters in the stadium, with the entire top-tier closed off.
It reflects the discontent given the lack of transfer activity.
But attention now turns to this Saturday as the Celts are back in action in Glasgow’s east end. This time it is Italian giants AC Milan who will be making the trip.
The sides have a history in European competitions. Supporters may remember that memorable night in Glasgow in 2007, where the Hoops defeated the reigning Champions League winners 2-1 thanks to a late Scott McDonald winner.
Recent fixtures have not gone Celtic’s way.
This match will have a different feel to it, as both sides continue building fitness ahead of the competitive season. Here’s all you need to know.
Kick-off Time and Date
The match kicks off at 3pm BST on Saturday 25 July at Celtic Park.
Where to Watch
The match hasn’t been picked up by a UK TV broadcaster, but is available to watch on Celtic Player.
Predicted XI
Viljami Sinisalo, Anthony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke McCowan, James Forrest, Sebastian Tounekti, Camilo Duran.
Final Notes
Stars who featured at the World Cup have begun their return to training, with Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Yang and Sebastian Tounekti all back at Lennoxtown last week.
They could all start their first pre-season match to build sharpness back up ahead of the competitive season kicking off the following week. However, O’Neill may decide to bed some in from the bench, while giving others the nod from kick-off.
Alistair Johnston, Benjamin Nygren and Auston Trusty are expected back to training shortly, though Saturday may come too soon, at least for a start.
Daizen Maeda is on the verge of departing to English Premier League side Ipswich Town and has likely played his last game; that final-day title win over Hearts. A defining way to bow out, but he will leave with the well wishes of the majority of supporters.
