Celtic have been drawn alongside RB Leipzig, Salzburg and Rosenborg in a tricky UEFA Europa League group. A defeat to Salzburg in the previous tie has put them under pressure ahead of a difficult away encounter against RB Leipzig on Thursday night. The esteemed Bundesliga force are also in need of three points to enhance their odds of making it to the knockouts. The Hoops have uplifted their performance in Premiership of late but must exhibit their show of the season so far at Red Bull Arena to stay in contention for a place in the next round.
Team News
Celtic are in a better state than early months regarding injury woes, but the calf strain of skipper Scott Brown would be a massive blow in deep midfield. Kristoffer Ajer and Michael Johnston, two of their promising prodigies are significant doubts for the midweek tie whereas Nir Bitton and Marvin Compper miss out Celtic’s Europa League squad due to long-standing injury concerns.
But their most significant blow is indeed James Forrest’s suspension who received a marching order against Salzburg in the previous European encounter.
Formation
Brendan Rodgers, the Parkhead boss, has been experimental with his team formation but should be lining the Hoops up in a 4-3-3 pattern with the flexibility to switch to a 4-2-3-1 during the game.
Defence
Celtic have a few defensive absentees but must depend on Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic, their current centre-back duo who should maintain their composure against a threatening opponent. Mikael Lustig had a poor outing against Hibernian and must remain cautious while operating as a right-back. The youngster Kieran Tierney, though impressive, should concentrate more on protecting the backline over making overlapping runs.
The experience of veteran Craig Gordon between the sticks would be crucial for the Hoops who are eyeing a result on the road against the high-profile German side.
Midfield
It is to be seen now how Brown is replaced in the midfield. Rodgers should prefer versatile Callum McGregor centrally alongside Olivier Ntcham ahead of the veteran Youssouf Mulumbu. Tom Rogic, sensational versus Hibs, must retain his place in an attacking midfield role to create opportunities with his long-range shots and defence-splitting through balls.
Attack
Jonny Hayes should be deployed down the right flank in the absence of James Forrest. McGregor’s switch to a central role might allow Scott Sinclair a position down the left flank. Leigh Griffiths was suspended versus Hibernian but might not start the midweek game due to Odsonne Edouard’s decent run in recent fixtures.
