Celtic suffered a new low in Europe when they conceded six goals against Atletico Madrid in the previous gameweek. They are rock-bottom in their group ahead of locking horns with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico Tour. An injury-time winner from the veteran Pedro Rodriguez ruined their night in the reverse tie and the struggling Hoops must pull off a miracle to stun the Serie A giants on Tuesday night.
Lazio, on the other hand, are struggling in the league as they suffered a dreadful defeat against bottom-placed Salernitana. Maurizio Sarri must demand a reaction as his men must secure all three points en route to finding a place in the knockouts of this esteemed competition.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Lazio
Defence
Joe Hart would undergo another tricky test against the likes of Ciro Immobile and Felipe Anderson. His experience would be key in order to maintain composure between the sticks.
Alistair Johnston was rested against Motherwell in favour of Anthony Ralston. The Canadian right fullback should reclaim his starting status for this upcoming encounter. In contrast, Greg Taylor is set to retain his place with Alexandro Bernabei left out of their Champions League squad. Despite conceding half a dozen against the Rojiblancos, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales are expected to continue as the central defensive pairing ahead of Nat Phillips, Stephen Welsh and Gustaf Lagerbielke.
Midfield
The injury setback of Reo Hatate is a significant blow for the Glasgow giants. Brendan Rodgers has deployed Odin Thiago Holm, David Turnbull and Paulo Bernardo in his absence. None, however, has managed to emulate his flair and finesse as a ‘number 8’. Bernardo could be back in the starting XI, but the other box-to-box slot belongs to Matt O’Riley who has been scintillating since his transfer from MK Dons during Ange Postgecoglou’s regime as the Parkhead boss. Skipper Callum McGregor must marshall the backline as well as instigate attacking moves from his deep-lying role. Tomoki Iwata should be among the substitutes as an understudy to the veteran Scotsman.
Attack
With Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda unavailable due to injury and suspension, Celtic would rely on the poaching traits of Kyogo Furuhashi who has found the net twice in this competition. Luis Palma is exquisite from the left, also, Yang Hyun-Jun has been promoted as the first-choice from the other flank in recent games. James Forrest and Oh Hyeon-gyu must be involved as ‘super subs’ to make a difference from the bench.
