Scottish champions, Celtic, are due to host German kings, Bayern Munich, at the Celtic Park on Tuesday in the Champions League group stage fixture. The Bhoys were beaten 3-0 in their last meeting against the Bavarians earlier this month at the Allianz Arena and frankly speaking, the Glasgow based club would need to pull something magical out of their hat to clinch a victory.
To keep their hopes of getting into the knockout stages alive, here is how we expect Brendan Rodgers to dish out his starting line-up against Jupp Heynckes’s side.
Defence
Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko are still out injured, which imply that the couple of central defensive spots are seemingly likely to be filled by Nir Bitton and Dedryck Boyata. At the back, Bitton’s role has yielded mixed results and it goes without saying that he needs to be at the top of his game to face the Bundesliga giants.
At the right-back slot, we expect Mikael Lustig to be stationed, whereas, on the left, the industry and calibre of Kieran Tierney is likely to be seen from the very beginning. Between the sticks, Rodgers is anticipated to give his nod to Craig Gordon. Gordon’s form hasn’t been top notch of late and only time will tell whether he can withstand the pressure that is likely to be mounted by the visiting side or not.
Midfield
Olivier Ntcham has been very good at going forward and has also been catering to the defensive duties meticulously ever since his entry into the ranks of the Celts and he should be teeing up with Callum McGregor in the middle of the park. These two would need to shield their backline well and should try to dictate the tempo of the game.
Tom Rogic should be the one to fill the no. 10 role as his creative prowess would hold paramount importance against Heynckes’ troops.
Attack
The former Liverpool manager would face a severe headache in picking one between Leigh Griffiths and Moussa Dembele. While Dembele is, undoubtedly, one of the most decorated youngsters at this stroke of the hour, Griffiths’ experience and pedigree might be considered and the Scot might be given the license to lead the line of his side.
Scott Sinclair should be attempting to get a goal or create some delicious chances for his side from the left-wing, whereas, on the right flank, Stuart Armstrong is likely to be one to start.
This is how they might line up:
