The story of Celtic’s season so far has been contrasting, to say the least. While on the domestic front they have been nothing but ruthless and dominating, their Champions League adventure has seen them struggle in front of the European powerhouses.
Celtic have won seven and drawn two matches in the league and remain unbeaten. However, they opened their Champions League campaign with a heavy drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint Germain.
The French outfit unleashed the likes of Neymar and Mbappe on the Scottish champions and Celtic were handed a 5-0 thrashing on their opening Champions League night. They bounced back in the next match against Anderlecht with a 3-0 win but Brendan Rodger’s men will find their hands full when they go head to head with Germany’s Champions Bayern Munich this week.
The German side was defeated 3-0 last time out in Europe by Paris Saint Germain and that led to the firing of their coach Carlo Ancelotti. Jupp Heynckes has been brought in as a replacement for the Italian and Bayern would want to make a statement of their own in the Champions League after the insulting defeat at Paris.
Celtic were always outsiders in a group consisting of the likes of Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich. With two teams qualifying for the knockout stages, the task to topple one of the two giants was always going to be difficult. They will, however, look to clinch the third spot at least and qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
With players like Jozo Simunovic, Stuart Armstrong, Anthony Ralston all out due to injuries, Celtic will have to shuffle around. This is how Rodgers is likely to line-up his team against Bayern Munich this week:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Craig Gordon is likely to feature in goal for the Hoops again for the crucial Champions League match. The defensive four for Celtic is likely to be Kieran Tierney at left back with Mikael Lustig operating at right back. Dedryck Boyata is likely to be partnered with Nir Bitton, the Israeli defensive midfielder playing as a makeshift centre-back in the absence of Simunovic.
Midfield
The two-man midfield axis is likely to be made up of Callum McGregor alongside the returning Scott Brown. The three players in front of them will probably be Scott Sinclair on the left wing, Tom Rogic, returning from international duty, will playing at the centre and Patrick Roberts on the right flank.
Attack
Moussa Dembele is expected to lead the line for the Hoops. Here is how they might line up:
