Celtic will shift their focus back to the Champions League now as they are all set to take on German contingent Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday in the third group stage game of the Champions League. With Barcelona, Manchester City, Celtic and Borussia Monchengladbach, drawn in the same group, this was always going to be the group of death and the sides have not disappointed us so far.
Celtic started their Champions League group stage campaign with a 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Barcelona but fought back really well in the second game by holding Manchester City to a 3-3 draw. On the other hand, Gladbach started their campaign with a 4-0 loss against City but did very well against Barcelona in the second game and yet lose 2-1. Here are three key battles those could decide the outcome of the game which promises to be highly exciting.
Scott Brown Vs Mahmoud Dahoud
Celtic skipper Scott Brown will have a big game in his hands on Wednesday. Gladbach are an attacking side who boasts plenty of energy on the pitch and press opponent hard making life difficult for them. Dahoud, despite being only 20 years of age, has established himself as one of the best rising players in Europe with his excellent all-round midfield abilities. Dahoud loves to stamp his authority in the middle of the park but Brown, with his physicality, will make things hard for the youngster.
Kolo Toure Vs Andre Hahn
With Raffael and Josip Drmic out with injuries, Andre Hahn will be the key forward for the German side. The 26-year-old is a clinical finisher and won’t disappoint you if he gets the right service from midfield. He will face a tricky battle against Celtic defender Kolo Toure who boasts plenty of experience at the top level and knows the requirements of such games inside out. Toure is a player who always lives up to the big occasions and won’t give Hahn too many opportunities to do the damage.
Scott Sinclair Vs Patrick Hermann
Gladbach usually play in an attacking 3-5-2 formation and Patrick Hermann is likely to line up as the right wing-back. The quick and attacking German winger is more of an attacking player and knows where the goal is. However, he must ensure that he tracks back to help out the back three especially to deal with the threat posed by Celtic winger Scott Sinclair who has been in a golden touch in front of the goal since he switched Aston Villa for Celtic this summer.
