Celtic still have a lot to do to make it to the Champions League as they will take on Romanian opponents Cluj in the second leg at Celtic Park this week. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw and Celtic would be happy that they managed an away goal. However, Cluj cannot be underestimated as they had their fair share of good chances.
A goalless draw could see Celtic progress through, but we are quite sure that Lennon wouldn’t come up with a conservative intent especially at Parkhead. The crowd is going to be behind Celtic, and the Hoops will look to bring their A-game.
Lennon made some changes for the weekend’s game against Motherwell, and he will probably play his best eleven in this clash. Here is how we feel they could lineup like this week.
Team News: From the first team, Hatem Abd Elhamed could be back after he suffered a minor injury in the first leg which saw him miss the tie at Fir Park at the weekend. Jozo Simunovic could be a doubt. Apart from that, all the major first-team options should be fit and raring to go.
Celtic Predicted lineup Vs Cluj
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain hasn’t looked at his best so far, but he will continue in goal ahead of the more experienced Craig Gordon. Kristoffer Ajer could return to centre-back after playing against Motherwell as the right back. We are hoping that Simuovic will be declared fit and he will likely partner Ajer if that’s the case. If he is absent, then Nir Bitton can get the nod to start at the back.
Hatem Abd Elhamed is expected to make a return as a right-back for this tie. Boli-Bolingoli-Mbombo had a nightmarish first leg, and he would need to pick himself up and produce a strong performance down the left this week.
Midfield
The tried and tested duo of Scott Brown, and Callum McGregor should start in the middle of the park. Olivier Ntcham has looked sharp in the past few games, but Lennon is likely to put his trust on two of his most reliable midfielders. Ryan Christie should come back to the lineup as an attacking midfielder.
He has been firing on all cylinders, and a lot will be expected of him again. James Forrest is an obvious choice for the right flank. Michael Johnston has looked threatening, and he should start over Lewis Morgan down the left.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths bagged a goal against Motherwell, but Odsonne Edouard will return to the lineup to lead the line in this all-important clash.
