Wilfried Nancy faced a defeat in his first match as the Celtic manager against Premiership leaders Hearts, despite showing glimpses of an exciting brand of football. But an even sterner test awaits the Frenchman on Thursday night, as the Hoops are set to host AS Roma in the Europa League.
The Serie A giants have only accumulated two more points than Celtic (7) after five gameweeks. However, a third consecutive win in this competition would secure a direct spot in the Round of 16. Last month, during their trip to Glasgow, they secured a commanding 2-0 victory against Rangers. It remains to be seen whether they can replicate a similar result in their upcoming clash.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Roma
Defence
39-year-old Kasper Schmeichel continues to be the first-choice between the sticks, even though his current deal at Parkhead expires by the end of the current campaign. Viljami Sinisalo has impressed in limited opportunities, but the Finnish custodian should stay patient and wait for his minutes in the Celtic goal.
Nancy switched to a ‘back three’ – a setup that earned him recognition in the MLS with Columbus Crew. Injuries to Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Marcelo Saracchi limit his options at the back. Still, he chose to stick to the system by deploying Kieran Tierney as a left centre-back alongside Liam Scales and Auston Trusty. Dane Murray, Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston could also be considered as deep defensive options, considering the gaffer would prefer attacking wingbacks for a 3-2-5 transition in possession phases.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor, accompanied by Arne Engels, must drive the show from the centre of the pitch. They would primarily marshal the backline and make occasional down-the-middle runs to offer overload up top. Luke McCowan should get the nod over Sebastian Tounekti in the starting XI and feature from the right-hand flank. Hyun-Jun Yang might shift to the left, and Tounekti, as well as Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Paulo Bernardo, could be involved from the bench.
Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate are the obvious choices for the attacking midfield spots for their creative spark and poaching traits in and around the box. Balikwisha has failed to live up to the expectations since his summer move from Belgium, and Nancy, therefore, could try him as a ‘number 10′ to fit him in the Hoops’ depleted attacking third.
Attack
Daizen Maeda has lately revived his form while spearheading the attack. He should keep his place ahead of Johnny Kenny or Kelechi Iheanacho.
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