The Scottish Premiership Champions are not off to a great start in defending their league title. They have already dropped five points from their first five games and were held to a 0-0 draw at St Mirren Park this weekend. However, Brendan Rodgers will now turn his attention to their European adventures as the Celts, who dropped to the Europa League in the qualifiers, will host Rosenborg on Thursday.
The Norwegian outfit are fresh from a 3-2 win in their domestic league and will want to prove a point in Scotland. The duo met in the second qualifying round of the Champions League earlier this season as the Celts’ 3-1 victory at home was enough to take them to the next stage. Rodgers would hope that his side can put in a similar performance this week.
Team News:
In early team news, Jozo Simunovic, Lewis Morgan and Nir Britton are not close to full fitness and could miss this tie. Daniel Arzani and Marvin Compper are both not in the Europa League squad while Jack Hendry is back in training and could make the bench if needed. Oliver Ntcham is suspended in the domestic league but should be available for selection against Rosenborg.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defence:
Craig Gordon has been in decent form on goal for the hosts and should keep his place in the side under the bar. Filip Benkovic was impressive in his first start for the Celts against St Mirren and deserves to start at the heart of the backline in this game.
He will be supported by Dedryck Boyata, who will play to his left and Kristoffer Ajer will play to his right, completing Celtic’s backline.
Midfield:
Oliver Ntcham saw two yellow cards in the game at the weekend but was crucial to Celtic’s game until he was sent off. He is available for selection for this tie and should start at the heart of the midfield. Scott Brown has not been at his best this season and needs to step up his game if Celtic are to take all three points, untroubled, from this tie.
Kieran Tierney has played in every league game for Celtic this season and should keep his place in the side at left wing-back. Mikael Lustig was an unused substitute at the weekend but should be back in the right wing-back role for this Europa League tie.
Attack:
Odsonne Edouard has just one goal so far this season but is the best option to lead the attack for Celtic. He scored twice when the teams met earlier this season and would hope to put in a similar performance yet again. Tomas Rogic has a league goal to his name this season and would look to add to that tally in this game.
He will start on the left flank in the attack with Callum McGregor adding some creativity to the side on the right wing.
Here is how they might line up:
