After back-to-back injury-time victories against Livingston and Kilmarnock in the Premiership, Celtic must regroup for Thursday night’s Europa League encounter against VfB Stuttgart. They hold home advantage in the first leg of the playoff round, but their performance needs to improve to match the German side’s standards.
Stuttgart are fighting for a Champions League berth, as the heavyweights like RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are still behind in the Bundesliga standings. While the priority must be to maintain their league position, Sebastian Hoeneß’s men are well capable of making a deep run in Europe, overcoming the Parkhead test before eliminating the Scottish champions at Neckarstadion.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Vfb Stuttgart
Defence
Viljami Sinisalo has been knocking on the door with some decent Cup outings, yet Martin O’Neill is expected to rely on Kasper Schmeichel’s experience in this high-voltage European tie.
Julian Araujo has been a revelation since his January move. The on-loan Bournemouth right-back netted a stellar last-gasp winner against Killie, and his flair as a fullback makes him an assured starter over Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston amid Alistair Johnston’s long-term injury. Although Araujo has been included in the Hoops’ Europa League squad, Benjamin Arthur, the other January recruit, misses out despite a lack of depth in the heart of the backline. Liam Scales and Auston Trusy must continue as the central defensive pair; however, fit-again Marcelo Saracchi should be restored down the left, having impressed since his return from injury. Kieran Tierney could be brought in the second half, exercising gametime management to avoid fitness woes.
Midfield
Celtic are lacking depth in the centre of the pitch following Arne Engels’ injury. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has not been registered either, thus forcing O’Neill to rely on Reo Hatate, even though the Japanese ace has struggled of late as a ‘number 8’. Benjamin Nygren, known for his poaching traits, is irreplaceable, as the Swedish star could also switch to a ‘number 10’ role if the gaffer decides to shift Hatate deeper and form a ‘double pivot’ alongside Callum McGregor. The skipper must exhibit his expertise as a deep-lying playmaker, whereas Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo are likely to wait for opportunities, being fringe options in the middle of the park.
Attack
Tomas Cvancara must return to the starting XI and spearhead the attack ahead of fellow January recruit Junior Adamu. Daizen Maeda should be shifted down the right, as the in-form Sebastian Tounekti deserves a first-team spot, proving his worth in recent weeks. Besides Adamu, James Forrest and Yang Hyun-jun, as well as Kelechi Iheanacho, might be involved as ‘super subs’, but the club decided not to register Joel Mvuka and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, even though they are fit enough to feature, unlike Callum Osmand and Jota.
