Celtic will travel to Etihad Stadium on Tuesday to take on Manchester City in the final game of the Champions League group stage. The Hoops have nothing to lose and will be keen to bid Europe goodbye on a good note. They are at the rock bottom of the group with just two points from five games. They can catch up Borussia Monchengladbach on points if they win their game and the German side lose theirs but Andre Schubert’s side will still finish third and qualify for the Europa League having a better head to head record.
Celtic are on the back of an amazing morale-boosting win against Motherwell. The Hoops’ unbeaten record in domestic competitions was almost put to an end by Motherwell but Celtic showed great character by fighting back and won the game 4-3.
Tom Rogic’s last minute goal meant that Celtic stayed unbeaten domestically. On the other hand, Manchester City lost to Chelsea 3-1 on Saturday despite being the better side for major parts of the game.
The reverse fixture ended 3-3 at Celtic Parkas the Citizens were left stunned by the Celts. Rodgers will demand a similar performance from his side against the Sky Blues. Here is the predicted Celtic lineup against Manchester City.
Defence
Scottish custodian Craig Gordon will keep his place under the bar ahead of Dorus de Vries. Erik Sviatchenko will return to the starting XI after missing the Motherwell game with illness. Jozo Simunovic should start alongside the Dane at the centre. Swedish international Mikael Lustig is likely to start at right-back. Emilio Izaguirre is likely to start at left-back with Kieran Tierney out injured.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown is an undisputed choice in the middle of the park. The 31-year-old has been excellent this season for the Hoops with his industrious display in the middle of the park.
Callum McGregor is expected to partner the Celtic skipper in the two-man midfield. Aussie attacking midfielder Tom Rogic should start as the number ten. He stole the show on Saturday with the late winner and will be aiming for a similar display.
Attack
Scott Sinclair is likely to miss the game with an injury. We, therefore, expect Stuart Armstrong to get a start on his natural left flank role. He was the man of the match against Motherwell on Saturday with two assists and one goal. James Forrest should start on the right flank. Moussa Dembele will start up front for the Hoops.
