Celtic will travel to the Stadio Olimpico to take on Italian heavyweights Lazio in their fourth game in the Group E of the Europa League. The Hoops are currently on top of the table, and surprisingly Lazio are languishing on the third spot. Lennon’s men had already gotten the better of their Italian opponents in the reverse fixture as they won 2-1 at Parkhead.
The Hoops are going through a purple patch at the moment as they have been winning games on a canter off late. However, Lazio away will be a tough challenge for the Bhoys. But the Scottish heavyweights should be high on confidence, and they might just pull off an Italian job on their opponents.
Team News: Leigh Griffiths has resumed training, but he might still need some work to be match fit. Vakoun Issouf Bayo is expected to miss out. Michael Johnston is also closing in on a return after missing close to two months of action. Centre back Jozo Simunovic is a long term absentee, and he is unlikely to feature this year. Goalkeeper Scott Bain is also expected to miss out.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Lazio
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Fraser Forster is expected to start in goal once again. He is often a passenger in the domestic games, but he will definitely be tested in this tough away fixture. Christopher Jullien did the star turn in the last tie against the same opponents as he scored a late winner.
The summer signing will be expected to start again in defence. Kristoffer Ajer will likely partner him at the back. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo should start at left-back. Lennon will hope that he can keep things tight defensively. Hatem Abd Elhamed should be preferred at right-back.
Midfield
Scott Brown managed a brace against the Hibs, and he should be high on confidence going into this game. He will start in a conservative role in the middle. Callum McGregor should be his partner in central areas.
Ryan Christie is expected to occupy the attacking midfielder’s position. Tom Rogic and Olivier Ntcham might have to miss out. James Forrest will keep his place on the right flank. Mohamed Elyounoussi has been in terrific form of late, and he should keep his place on the left-wing.
Attack
Lennon doesn’t have many options to choose from for the striker’s role. Therefore Odsonne Edouard will be an automatic starter upfront. The Frenchman has been in a rich vein of form of late, and Lennon will hope that he can carry on with his excellent work.
