Haitham Hassan starts for Celtic for second successive match against Aberdeen

Haitham Hassan has been named in Celtic’s starting line-up for the second consecutive match as the Scottish champions face Aberdeen in the fourth round of the Scottish Premiership.

The winger made his first start for Celtic since joining the club in the previous round, when he was selected from the beginning against Falkirk. He retains his place for the meeting with Aberdeen as Martin O’Neill makes two changes to the side that featured in the previous game.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also included in the starting XI, while Callum McGregor and Auston Trusty come into the team in place of Kieran Tierney and Mika Biereth.

Celtic’s line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Viljami Sinisalo

Defenders: Colby Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty

Midfielders: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Callum McGregor, Benjamin Nygren

Forwards: Haitham Hassan, Camilo Duran, Yang Hyun-jun

The match will be broadcast on Sharjah Sports Channel.

Celtic begin the fourth round at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with nine points from their opening three matches. Aberdeen are 10th with three points.

Hassan’s continued selection provides the main talking point before kick-off, with the player earning another opportunity to establish himself in Celtic’s starting line-up. His inclusion follows his first start against Falkirk and means he keeps his place as O’Neill adjusts the team elsewhere.

The Celtic manager has opted for a midfield that combines Oxlade-Chamberlain and McGregor with Benjamin Nygren, while Trusty comes into the defensive unit. The changes leave Tierney and Biereth out of the starting side for this fixture.

At the back, Sinisalo starts in goal behind a defence featuring Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales and Trusty. Oxlade-Chamberlain and McGregor are positioned alongside Nygren in midfield, with Hassan, Camilo Duran and Yang Hyun-jun forming the attacking trio.

Celtic’s perfect start has placed them at the summit of the league, while Aberdeen approach the match from the lower end of the table after collecting three points. The contrasting positions add significance to a fixture in which Celtic will look to maintain their early momentum and Aberdeen will attempt to improve their standing.

For Hassan, the occasion represents another immediate chance to impress after being handed consecutive starts. His selection, alongside the presence of Oxlade-Chamberlain, is among the notable features of Celtic’s team for the latest round of Scottish Premiership action.