Celtic will take on Estonian champions Nomme Kalju at Parkhead in the second round of the Champions League qualifiers. Kalju are coming into the second round fighting against all the odds. They overturned a deficit in the second leg as they lost their home encounter 1-0 in the first leg. However, they won 2-1 in Macedonia against Shkendija.
The Scottish Champions are undoubtedly going to be the favourite for this encounter, but you never know what one would get from such unknown teams. Celtic somewhat laboured to a 2-1 win against Sarajevo in the last meeting even though they dominated the proceedings.
Team News: Kieran Tierney, Jack Hendry, Marian Shved, Daniel Arzani, Eboue Kouassi and Vakoun Issouf Bayo are unlikely to be involved in the matchday squad because of their injuries. Michael Johnston’s situation could be touch and go after he missed the last tie against Sarajevo. Olivier Ntcham could also miss out as he had joined the squad late.
Celtic Predicted lineup Vs Sarajevo
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain will be miffed that he failed to keep a cleansheet in both legs of the first-round tie. He will hope for better fortune in goal in this clash. Nir Bitton, who is a midfielder by trade, has filled in well as a centre back and he is likely to continue in that role. Christopher Jullien is struggling to become match fit at the moment, and he might still have to wait to make his debut for the Hoops.
Jozo Simunovic should partner Bitton. Kristoffer Ajer is once again expected to fill in as a right back. The Norwegian did an excellent job in the new position in the first round of the qualifiers. New signing Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo is going to start as a left-back.
Midfield
The dependable duo of Scott Brown and Callum McGregor should start in midfield. Their experience and quality on the ball help the team to dominate proceedings in the middle of the park.
Ryan Christie is likely going to start in the no. 10 role. James Forrest should start from the right flank. Lewis Morgan impressed in the tie against Sarajevo, and he is likely to start ahead of Scott Sinclair down the left. The two wide duos often interchanged their flanks in the last game, and both of them did look very effective as inverted wingers.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths is back in training and is available for selection. However, there is no doubt that Lennon will go in with Odsonne Edouard upfront.
