The Blue half of Manchester is probably the happiest place in England right now. Despite many raising their eyebrows over Pep Guardiola potentially struggling in English football, the master tactician has proven everyone wrong and has won each of his 10 games so far this season having scored 30 goals in the process. He is the biggest and the best thing that happened to Manchester City in many years and the next in their way in Scottish champions Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were thrashed 7-0 by Barcelona in their opening group stage game in the Champ0ions League. The Bhoys will be keen to avoid another rout as they face rampant Manchester City who defeated German giants Borussia Monchengladbach 4-0 in their opening Champions League game. Celtic are on the back of an emphatic 6-1 win against Kilmarnock this weekend but Manchester City look too strong for the Glasgow giants.
Brendan Rodgers, from his time at Liverpool, knows Manchester City very closely and will be looking to cause an upset although but that’s easier said than done. However, the first Champions League game at Parkhead after two long years will make the fans excited.
Here is the predicted Celtic lineup against Manchester City.
Defence
Dutch custodian Dorus de Vries is likely to be replaced by Craig Gordon under the bar as the Dutchman suffered an injury against Killie. We expect Rodgers to use five at the back against dangerous Manchester City. Former Manchester City defender experienced Kolo Toure is a certain starter. Mikael Lustig is likely to start as one of the three centre-backs. Danish international Erik Sviatchenko will complete the central defence trio. Cristian Gamboa and Kieran Tierney will start as the two wing-backs.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown is an undisputed choice in the middle of the park. Alongside the Scotsman, we expect Nir Bitton to get a starting berth. The two midfielders will be sitting deep and will look to do everything in their powers to protect the back four. In-form James Forrest and Scott Sinclair will start on the flanks. Both wingers got themselves on the scoresheet against Kilmarnock and will be looking to trouble the Citizens on the break. Sinclair, a former Manchester city player, will be especially motivated in the game.
Attack
Even though Moussa Dembele did a decent job in Leigh Griffiths’ absence with an injury, the Scotsman showed why he is at a whole different level by coming on from the bench against Killie and immediately grabbing a goal. The 26-year-old will spearhead Celtic’s attack against Manchester City.
