Celtic will take on Spanish opponents Valencia at Celtic Park this week in the UEFA Europa League Round of 32. The home side would be desperate to get a positive result in the first leg as that could give them a hope of going past their much-fancied La Liga opponent.
Valencia currently occupies the 8th spot in the La Liga and were also knocked out in the group stages of the Champions League. However, Celtic should be confident about their chances on Thursday after they came through a tough group where they finished second, only behind RB Salzburg. Last season’s quarterfinalist RB Leipzig were eliminated from the group under dramatic circumstances which have added even more drama to Celtic’s European adventures so far.
Team News: Kieran Tierney is facing a race against time to be fit for this crucial encounter as he has been out of action with a hip injury for nearly two months now. With Emilio Izaguirre also a major doubt, Rodgers would hope that his first choice left back is available. Olivier Ntcham is also a doubt for this game. Oliver Burke should be alright after facing a minor knock against St. Johnstone. Eboue Kouassi, Tom Rogic, Filip Benkovic and Daniel Arzani won’t be available due to injuries.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs Valencia
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain is likely to be preferred in goal over Craig Gordon. Dedryck Boyata will have to put in a solid performance if the Hoops don’t want to concede an away goal. He is set to start in defence and is likely to be partnered by Jozo Simunovic.
Tierney might start if he recovers in time for this game. If both Izaguirre and Tierney are unavailable, then Jonny Hayes is likely to start as a left back. Jeremy Toljan is expected to begin the match in the right back position.
Midfield
Scott Brown is set to play in midfield along with ‘Mr. Consistent’ Callum McGregor. Both players will have to work hard and put in a good shift on Thursday in order to cope with the technically proficient Valencia players.
Ryan Christie is set to occupy the attacking midfielder’s role once again. James Forrest is a nailed on starter from the right, and so is Scott Sinclair from the left flank.
Attack
It’s a tough decision on whom to start up front as Oliver Burke has impressed in the absence of Odsonne Edouard. However, Edouard will bring a lot more of physicality up top so Rodgers might go in with his first choice striker in this crucial clash in Europe.
