Probably Celtic’s biggest disappointment under Brendan Rodgers would be their failure to qualify for the Champions League as they failed to go past Greek outfit AEK Athens in the third qualifying round last week. However, they can still qualify for the Europa League if they beat Lithuanian outfit FK Suduva over the two legs. The loss in the previous round will loom large, but Rodgers would need to get his players up and running to overcome the disappointment of not making it to the Champions League. A decent result in the first leg in Lithuania would set the game well for the return leg at Parkhead.
Celtic’s league form has also been mixed so far as they have lost to Hearts of Midlothian earlier. The Hoops’ defence looks vulnerable especially in the absence of Dedryck Boyata and Rodgers would have to look for a solution soon if they want to continue their domination in Scottish football.
The Bhoys had faced Suduva last in 2002 where they won 10-1 on aggregate, and Rodgers would be more than happy to take anywhere near that thumping scoreline.
Team News
Odsonne Edouard is undoubtedly out of this encounter as he had suffered a strain just before the game against AEK Athens. The forward is going to be a big miss but is likely to be replaced by the timely return of Moussa Dembele. Apart from him, there are no injury concerns for Rodgers.
4-2-3-1 Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs FK Suduva
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Experienced Craig Gordon would be expected to start in goal after he sat out the last game against Patrick Thistle. The centre-back position has been a problem for Rodgers this season so far. He missed the services of Kristoffer Ajer in the second leg against AEK Athens due to suspension, and now we expect the defender to be back in the lineup for this crucial encounter.
Ajer is likely to be partnered by Jozo Simunovic. The centre-halves will be expected to keep it tight at the back. Out wide, Kieran Tierney is a nailed on starter along with Mikael Lustig who would start in the right-back role.
Midfield
Captain Scott Brown will start in front of the defence and he will be partnered by Frenchman Olivier Ntcham. Brown will be expected to sit back whereas Ntcham would have more freedom to move forward.
The attacking outlet from midfield will be provided by the likes of Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor and James Forrest. Forrest played as a wingback in the encounter against AEK Athens, but we expect him to be back in his more natural role.
Attack
Rodgers will be a relieved man that Moussa Dembele is back fit and running. New signing Edouard is going to be a big miss but Dembele’s comeback has come just at the right time, and he would be expected to lead the line in Lithuania for the first leg encounter.
