Celtic Park is all set to experience a cracker tomorrow as Celtic take on Borussia Monchengladbach in their third game of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Two of the most passionate fan bases in European football heading against each other at the Paradise, this is what Champions League is all about. Andre Schubert and Brendan Rodgers, both are attacking minded managers and will be all fired up for the game.
Celtic started their Champions League campaign with a heavy 7-0 defeat at the hands of mighty Barcelona but did really well to salvage a 3-3 draw against Manchester City in the second game. On the other hand, Gladbach started their own campaign with a 4-0 loss to City but impressed in the 1-2 loss to Barcelona. This could very well be the decider for the third place and who makes it to the Europa League and both teams will give everything in their locker.
Team news
Celtic
Rodgers does not have any new injury concerns ahead of the game. Mikael Lustig could be back to the starting XI after suffering a minor knock during international duty but Rodgers is unlikely to take a risk with the Swede’s fitness.
Borussia Monchengladbach
Gladbach are struggling with injuries since the start of the season and the situation has become worse now with an injury to key defender Andreas Christensen. Key players Raffael, Josip Drmic and Thorgan Hazard all struggling to make the game. Doucare and Dominguez are also long-term absentees.
Predicted lineups
Celtic (4-2-3-1) – Gordon; Gamboa, Toure, Sviatchenko, Tierney; Brown, Bitton; Forrest, Rogic, Sinclair; Griffiths
Borussia Monchengladbach (3-5-2) – Sommer; Korb, Schulz, Elvedi; Hermann, Dahoud, Stindl, Kramer, Wendt; Johnson, Hahn
Tactical setups
This game promises to be a one for the neutrals. Both sides are likely to play to their strength which is attacking and pressing each other really high up the pitch. It promises to be a high-scoring game. If Gladbach have to win the game, the midfield trio need to have a brilliant game while Celtic’s key to success will be Sinclair and Forrest, the two wingers.
Key players
Celtic- Scott Sinclair
The Englishman has revived his stalled career in English football in some fashion right after his move to Parkhead and has scored 8 times while setting up 3 goals from just 14 games for the Hoops in all competitions this season. The experienced 27-year-old winger will play a key role for Rodgers’ side against the mighty Germans.
Borussia Monchengladbach- Mahmoud Dahoud
One of the biggest talents in world football right now, Dahoud’s quality and potential is easily evident from the amount of interest he is attracting from top sides in Europe. It’s a bit surprising to see a 20-year-old kid having so much composure in the middle of the park. Dahoud holds the key to Gladbach firing in midfield and we have to wait and see how he fares against Celtic.
Odds
Celtic win @3.20
Draw @3.75
Borussia Monchengladbach win @2.25
