After an incredible start to their domestic campaign, Celtic are all set to begin their European run by hosting Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday night. The new Champions League format leaves it quite open for the participants to keep their knockout hopes alive, and the Hoops must aim for a winning start against the minnows ahead of successive tricky away tests versus Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta in the forthcoming fixtures.
Despite leading the Slovak Super Liga standings, Bratislava sustained a dreadful 5-0 home defeat against second-placed MSK Zilina. They bounced back in the Cup versus AC Nitra, but the Bhoys’ incredible run of form makes them firm favourites to clinch all three points at their own backyard.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Slovan Bratislava
Defence
Celtic have bolstered themselves between the sticks by roping in Kasper Schmeichel. They also snapped up Viljami Sinisalo as a project signing, but the veteran Dane should keep his place as the outright ‘number 1’ across competitions.
The Celts have depth as well as quality across the backline. Alistair Johnston is expected to get the nod over Anthony Ralston down the right, also, the left fullback role belongs to Greg Taylor even though the club have tied down Alex Valle on a season-long loan from Barcelona. Although Auston Trusty plied his trades to Glasgow from Sheffield United on the summer deadline day, the USMNT international and homegrown Stephen Welsh must wait for their opportunities in the heart of the backline. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales have formed a stable and resilient partnership in deep defence and the gaffer should not alter the combination for this midweek contest.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor has shown his experience and expertise as a deep-lying playmaker. Also, we might see Arne Engels retaining his starting status after an incredible display against Hearts. The Belgian holds all the traits to emulate Matt O’Riley’s success as a ‘number 8’, but how he adjusts with Reo Hatate in the centre of the pitch remains to be seen. Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan could be introduced as ‘super subs’ to add flair and freshness late in the match.
Attack
Celtic are well-equipped high up the pitch, but Rodgers should rely on Kyogo Furuhashi over Adam Idah for his poaching traits as a ‘number 9’. Daizen Maeda must exhibit his work ethic and directness down the left, also, the right flank belongs to Nicolas Kuhn since his January transfer from Rapid Wien. Luis Palma and James Forrest might get involved as second-half substitutes.
