The 6 burning issues facing Celtic with problems piling up despite sitting at Premiership summit

Celtic lead the Premiership by four points but face mounting concerns: managerial tactics, striker Kasper Schmeichel's form, midfield balance, defensive fragility, and inconsistent performances despite their league position.

Despite sitting atop the Scottish Premiership, Celtic are grappling with significant issues that threaten their title challenge. The Hoops drew 2-2 with Dundee United on Wednesday and have won just three of their last nine games, prompting Record Sport to examine six key problems.

Manager Martin O'Neill faces criticism over team selection and tactical approach, with supporters questioning whether the squad is functioning as a cohesive unit. The midfield blend of Callum McGregor, Mika Baur and Benjamin Nygren lacks defensive solidity, leaving Celtic vulnerable on the counter-attack—a problem magnified in European competition ahead of their Besiktas fixture.

Strike force remains a major concern, with record £11m signing Kasper Schmeichel goalless in 13 games and struggling to make an impact in the box. Defensively, Celtic have conceded 17 goals in nine games, with lapses in concentration and poor organisation at the back. The constant rotation of goalkeepers between Sam Johnstone and Viljami Sinisalo has added to instability. Celtic travel to Falkirk on Sunday, where they can extend their lead to seven points, but these underlying issues demand urgent attention.