Celtic will travel to Dr Constantin Radescu Stadium in Romania to take on CFR Cluj in the third round of the Champions League qualifiers. Neil Lennon’s side are coming on the back of a thumping 7-0 win in their opening game of the Premiership season against St. Johnstone
Cluj have already gone past Astana and Maccabi Tel Aviv, and they are expected to provide the biggest test for Celtic so far. The Hoops have started their season brightly, and they are on an impressive goal-scoring spree as well. Lennon could be in with a slight advantage as Cluj’s team is currently reeling with injuries to some of their integral players.
Team News: Hatem Abd Elhamed limped off in the game against St. Johnstone, but he should be available for selection for this tie. Kieran Tierney will be the biggest miss for Celtic as he is still recovering from injury. The left-back is also set to have a big next few days in terms of deciding his future. Daniel Arzani is ruled out due to injury.
Celtic Predicted lineup Vs Cluj
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain should start ahead of the more experienced Craig Gordon in between the sticks. Christopher Jullien and Jozo Simunovic were both given a rest in the last game, so we expect them to start in a centre back role. Kristoffer Ajer might be persisted in the right-back role even though Elhamed impressed in his debut game. Lennon might prefer to have a proven defender like Ajer in defence in this tough away tie. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo is expected to start on the left flank once again with Tierney still out injured.
Midfield
We expect Lennon to go back to his best midfield partnership for this clash. Therefore we could see Scott Brown and Callum Mcgregor start in central areas. Brown will be in a more conservative role shielding the back four whereas McGregor will look to get on the ball to dictate play from midfield.
Ryan Christie has looked the best player so far, and he is a nailed-on starter as an attacking midfielder. Michael Johnston has impressed down the left, and he could get the nod ahead of Lewis Morgan and Scott Sinclair. The right flank is likely to be occupied by Scotland international James Forrest.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths has looked sharp after his comeback, but once again we expect Odsonne Edouard to lead the line in this all-important knock out game.
