Haissem Hassan handed starting role as Celtic seek to extend perfect premiership start

Live 48’ Scottish Premiership

Celtic

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Aberdeen

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Celtic FC manager Martin O'Neill has named his starting lineup to take on Aberdeen FC in the Scottish Premiership, handing summer signing Haissem Hassan a key starting role on the wing.

Domestic dominance vs European reset

Celtic enter the fixture riding high at the summit of the Scottish Premiership table for the 2026 /27 campaign.

The reigning champions have amassed a perfect 9 points from their opening three league fixtures, looking to extend their commanding domestic rhythm.

While Celtic successfully advanced to the quarter finals of the Scottish League Cup, their European journey suffered a major setback.

Following a bitter aggregate defeat to Austrian side LASK Linz in the UEFA Champions League playoffs, O'Neill's side has transitioned into the UEFA Europa League group stage increasing the importance of domestic momentum to keep confidence high.

Tactical breakdown: the matchday squad

New arrival Haissem Hassan who joined the Glasgow outfit from Spanish side Real Oviedo during the current summer window, earns a starting berth on the flank to inject direct pace into the final third.

Celtic starting XI vs Aberdeen:

• Goalkeeper: Viljami Sinisalo
• Defense: Colby Donovan, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales
• Midfield: Callum McGregor (C), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Benjamin Nygren
• Attack: Haissem Hassan, Yang Hyun-jun, Jhon Durán

Martin O'Neill's team selection reflects an aggressive, front-footed strategy tailored to overwhelm Aberdeen's defensive shape.

Pairing the explosive pace of Haissem Hassan with the direct running of Yang and Durán creates a dynamic frontline capable of stretching play both centrally and wide.

In midfield, anchoring veteran Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain alongside club captain Callum McGregor provides an ideal balance of technical composure and European experience, ensuring Celtic maintain midfield control after the disappointment of their Champions League exit.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Celtic

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Scottish Premiership