Celtic take on German giants Borussia Monchengladbach in their third game of the UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday. The Hoops started their Champions League campaign with a humiliating 7-0 loss against La Liga holders Barcelona. Rodgers made a big mistake with the tactics in that game. He wanted to sit back and defend against the likes of Messi, Suarez and Neymar which is next to impossible. Barcelona turned on the style and thumped the Bhoys. However, Celtic made a big statement in the following game and all that came from being a more adventurous in their approach.
Rodgers played to his strengths against Manchester City in the second game and salvaged a 3-3 draw at Etihad against Pep Guardiola’s side who were looking unstoppable at that point. Celtic took the lead thrice but could not protect it. However, if the Bhoys can have a similar game against Borussia Monchengladbach, we might have a cracker of a game in our hands.
Gladbach started their Champions League campaign with a heavy 4-0 defeat against Manchester City but were impressive in the 1-2 loss to Barcelona. They took the lead against the Blaugrana and gave Luis Enrique’s boys a hard run for their money but all went in vain eventually.
Here is the predicted Celtic lineup against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Defence
We expect Craig Gordon to keep his place under the bar ahead of Dorus de Vries. Mikael Lustig still remains a doubt for the game following a minor blow during the international duty which means Cristian Gamboa will start in the right back position.
Kolo Toure is expected to start at the heart of the defence alongside Danish international Erik Sviatchenko. The experience of the Ivorian could prove to be vital in such games and that is why young Jozo Simunovic is expected to make way. Youngster Kieran Tierney will keep his place in the left-back position and will be looking to impress once again as he does in most games.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown is expected to keep his place in the middle of the park. Nir Bitton is likely to replace young Liam Henderson in the middle of the park. The duo will know that they will be pressed by the Gladbach midfielders and still have to deliver. Tom Rogic is also expected to make his way back to the starting XI in the number ten role.
Attack
James Forrest and Scott Sinclair- the two wingers have done a brilliant job this season on the flanks and should retain their places. Rodgers will be in a dilemma regarding the centre-forward position. Moussa Dembele has done really well of late but Leigh Griffiths is likely to replace the young Frenchman up front.
