Reigning Scottish champions Celtic will be looking to pick up back-to-back wins for the first time since the start of October when they welcome Sparta Prague to Parkhead this Thursday. The Hoops were able to finally get back to winning ways on the weekend, as they beat Aberdeen by a 2-0 scoreline. Although the end result was rather flattering considering the trend that the match took, Neil Lennon is sure to be happy to take them any way they come. Having played a delayed cup match from last season, Celtic currently find themselves a whopping nine points off Rangers atop the table.
Before the weekend victory against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup, Celtic were winless for four fixtures on the trot, and that run of poor form could come back to haunt them at a later point in the season. Although it could be argued that their defeat to Rangers was the most painful result of the lot, it’s worth taking into account that they’re yet to register a win in the Europa League as well. The defeat to AC Milan was probably expected, but the 2-2 draw they suffered against Lille, despite taking an early 2-0 lead, is one that they could’ve done without.
Team News
Celtic still have a number of key players out on the sidelines, and that could prove to be their downfall in the coming weeks. The most notable knock has been suffered by Kristoffer Ajer, who is unlikely to make his way back in time for this fixture. Nir Bitton did a decent job in his absence, and although Shane Duffy put in good performance too, the Celts’ back-line does look a lot more secure with Ajer in the picture. James Forrest is another name that’s sure to play no part in the tie, having been sidelined for an extended period.
Here Is The Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup Vs Sparta Prague:
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup Vs Sparta Prague
Defence
Despite the summer signing of Vasilis Barkas, Neil Lennon has preferred to utilise Scott Bain in between the sticks over recent weeks. The Greek stopper has been the subject of heavy criticism from across the board, and Bain is likely to continue in the keeper’s role for this tie as well. With Ajer out injured, expect Lennon to stick to the same back-two that did the job against Aberdeen, with Shane Duffy likely to be partnered by Nir Bitton in the heart of defence. Jeremie Frimpong and Diego Laxalt should continue in the full-back roles.
Midfield
Another player whose credibility to start every week for Celtic has been questioned, is veteran midfielder Scott Brown. The skipper’s contributions to the club over the years needn’t be explained, but the fact that he seems to slow the tempo of their game down has been an area of concern. Despite this, expect Lennon to stick with the skipper in midfield for this high-profile European clash. Callum McGregor is expected to continue alongside him, thereby forming a two-man midfield pivot.
Attack
One of the Hoops’ most influential players over the last couple of weeks has been midfield sensation Tom Rogic, and he is likely to retain his place as the roaming number ten in the side. Odsonne Edouard, despite being largely ineffective in the win against Aberdeen, is expected to continue in the striker’s role in front of him. Mohamed Elyounoussi has very much been their most important player since the start of the season, which means that the Norwegian is expected to continue, while Ryan Christie could be given the nod once again over on the other flank.
